How Roy Cohn Taught Donald Trump Everything
The lawyer who showed an outer-borough striver how to ignore the rules, avoid a paper trail, and make up a good story for the media.
In 1973, Donald Trump, a young and ambitious real estate developer, found himself seated in a private dining venue called Le Club, a gathering spot for Manhattan's elite. Roy Cohn, a powerful attorney known for his tough approach, had been introduced to Trump by Cindy Adams, a gossip columnist. Cohn, who was gay, was drawn to Trump's towering physical presence and ambitious demeanor.
Trump, then residing in a cramped apartment, sought Cohn's legal expertise after the government filed a discrimination lawsuit against his company. Cohn advised Trump to fight the charges in court, dismissing the government's claims. This meeting marked the beginning of a mentorship that would shape Trump's legal career and political aspirations.
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