What is Donald Trump really saying? He’s tweeting on the court action involving Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort Tuesday and it is certainly two very different statements. While Trump throws Cohen under the bus, he stands by Manafort.
If anyone is looking for a good lawyer, I would strongly suggest that you don’t retain the services of Michael Cohen!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 22, 2018
I feel very badly for Paul Manafort and his wonderful family. “Justice” took a 12 year old tax case, among other things, applied tremendous pressure on him and, unlike Michael Cohen, he refused to “break” – make up stories in order to get a “deal.” Such respect for a brave man!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 22, 2018
A large number of counts, ten, could not even be decided in the Paul Manafort case. Witch Hunt!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 22, 2018
Manafort could face decades in jail after being convicted on 8 counts and Cohen could spend up to 5 years behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple counts. There is still the possibility Trump could pardon both men, though a pardon for Cohen certainly seems unlikely and Cohen’s attorney says it’s not something he’d accept.
.@GStephanopoulos: "Would Michael Cohen accept a presidential pardon? Does he want one?"
Lanny Davis, Michael Cohen's lawyer: "He will not, and does not, want anything from Donald Trump." https://t.co/BklfuyUzvC pic.twitter.com/ceZHo4MTYd— ABC News (@ABC) August 22, 2018
As for Manafort let’s remember that Trump communicates via Twitter and this may be his way of saying don’t “break,” stay “brave” and I’ll take care of you later.
Whether or not he’s laying the groundwork for a pardon, Trump is repeatedly making the case that Manafort is a mistreated man of good character. pic.twitter.com/62S4Lvcegx
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) August 22, 2018
Will the president offer #Manafort a pardon to keep him from flipping?
…Sounds like he just did: https://t.co/AIsLVTPlCr— Jonah Blank (@JonahBlank) August 22, 2018