Trump Expressed Openness to Pardoning Michael Cohen
The president noted he would consider a pardon for his former attorney if everything checks out.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Financial Crime
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President Donald Trump stated that he is open to considering a pardon for Michael Cohen. The comment came after Cohen served nearly two years in federal prison following his conviction on eight criminal counts.
Why it matters
The potential for a presidential pardon marks a significant development given Cohen's role as a witness in multiple investigations involving the Trump Organization. Cohen has been actively seeking clemency.
Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to 8 criminal counts, including tax evasion and campaign finance violations, resulting in a nearly 2-year prison term. It remains unconfirmed if a formal clemency application has been processed by the Department of Justice.
The players
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the current President of the United States who oversees the federal pardon process.
Michael Cohen
Michael Cohen is a former attorney who pleaded guilty to multiple criminal charges and testified in investigations involving the Trump Organization.
The details
President Trump made the remarks during a press gaggle at Joint Base Andrews, which was captured on video. Cohen previously provided testimony in New York civil and criminal investigations and recently interviewed the president on his radio show.
Timeline
September 9, 2026: President Trump made the pardon comment at Joint Base Andrews.
September 4, 2026: Michael Cohen posted an account of his situation on Substack.
Legal Context
This potential pardon fits into the broader history of executive clemency and the legal entanglements resulting from the 2016 Robert Mueller investigation into Russian election interference. It marks a shift from years of adversarial legal proceedings between the two figures.
The potential pardon of a high-profile figure like Cohen highlights ongoing debates regarding the scope of executive power in the United States. Residents and legal observers will continue to monitor how these developments influence public trust in the federal judiciary.
The takeaway
Presidential pardon authority is a broad executive power that frequently sparks debate regarding its application in cases involving former associates. Observers of the legal system note that clemency decisions often serve as a bellwether for shifts in executive priorities.
Further reading
Learn more about the federal justice process in the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Beltway Report.
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Should a president consider pardoning a former associate who provided testimony against them?
