Roy Cohn's Legacy: From McCarthyism to Trump's Tactics

Roy Cohn, the notorious lawyer who rose to prominence during the McCarthy era, left an indelible mark on American politics. His aggressive legal tactics, which included denying, delaying, attacking, and suing, were adopted by Donald Trump, shaping his approach to business and politics. In Kai Bird's biography, American Scoundrel, the author traces Cohn's influence from the 1950s Red Scare to the Trump presidency, revealing a playbook that continues to resonate in today's political landscape.

The McCarthy Era and Cohn's Rise to Power

In the 1950s, Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist crusade dominated American politics. Roy Cohn, a young lawyer, became McCarthy's chief counsel, gaining notoriety for his ruthless tactics. According to Bird, Cohn's strategy was simple: Deny everything, admit nothing, and counterattack. This approach, combined with his willingness to bend the rules, made him a formidable opponent. As Bird notes, Cohn was a master of the dark arts of political warfare.

Cohn's involvement in the McCarthy hearings had far-reaching consequences. His aggressive questioning and smear tactics destroyed lives and careers, contributing to the era's climate of fear and suspicion. However, it was his association with Donald Trump that would cement his legacy. The two met in the 1970s, and Cohn became Trump's mentor, teaching him the art of legal warfare.

Cohn's Playbook: A Blueprint for Trump's Tactics

Kai Bird's biography highlights the key elements of Cohn's playbook, which Trump adopted and adapted. These include:

• Deny and Delay: Never admit fault or wrongdoing, and use legal maneuvers to delay proceedings.
• Attack and Sue: Go on the offensive, filing lawsuits and countersuits to intimidate opponents.
• Avoid Paper Trails: Conduct business in cash or through intermediaries to minimize evidence.

Trump's presidency was marked by these tactics. From his refusal to release tax returns to his numerous lawsuits against critics, Trump followed Cohn's blueprint. As Bird observes, Trump learned from Cohn that the best defense is a good offense.

The implications of this playbook extend beyond Trump's presidency. The normalization of these tactics has contributed to a coarsening of political discourse, where truth and accountability are often sacrificed for political gain.

The Enduring Legacy of Roy Cohn

Roy Cohn's influence on American politics cannot be overstated. His tactics, honed during the McCarthy era, have become a staple of modern political warfare. The Trump presidency, with its emphasis on denial, delay, and attack, is a testament to Cohn's enduring legacy.

As the country grapples with the consequences of this playbook, it is essential to understand its origins and evolution. Kai Bird's biography provides a comprehensive account of Cohn's life and influence, offering valuable insights into the forces that shape our political landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Roy Cohn's tactics influence Donald Trump's presidency?

Roy Cohn taught Trump to deny, delay, attack, and sue, tactics that became central to his presidency, from refusing to release tax returns to filing lawsuits against critics.

What was Roy Cohn's role during the McCarthy era?

Cohn served as Joseph McCarthy's chief counsel, gaining notoriety for his aggressive questioning and smear tactics during the anti-communist hearings of the 1950s.

Why is Kai Bird's biography of Roy Cohn significant?

Bird's biography, American Scoundrel, traces Cohn's influence from McCarthyism to Trump, providing insights into the tactics that continue to shape American politics today.