In a strongly-worded letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take swift action on criminal referrals against Michael Cohen, former attorney to Donald Trump, citing Cohen’s history of perjury and theft.
Emmer highlighted Cohen’s past conviction for lying to Congress and emphasized that he had been referred to the DOJ multiple times for making false statements during congressional testimony. Emmer pointed to specific instances where Cohen’s statements were contradicted by evidence, including his denial of seeking employment in the Trump administration despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
Emmer also noted Cohen’s recent admission during a trial that he had conversations about working in the White House and his desire for a prominent role, despite previous denials. Additionally, Emmer underscored Cohen’s admission to stealing from the Trump Organization, a felony for which he was not charged.
“In other words, the prosecution’s star witness admitted to a more significant felony than what the prosecution has charged for President Trump with,” Emmer wrote, adding that “despite Mr. Cohen’s record of lying under oath and being a self-admitted thief, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is currently utilizing Mr. Cohen as his star witness in the prosecution of President Joe Biden’s chief political rival, former President Trump, who is the presumptive nominee for president.”
We’re going to use every resource at our disposal to hold the DOJ's feet to the fire until Convict Cohen is behind bars and Americans get the answers they deserve about the shady characters who are attempting to pull off the greatest sham in U.S. history.https://t.co/fHDGNJJ68e
— Tom Emmer (@tomemmer) May 22, 2024
Citing relevant sections of federal law, Emmer argued that Cohen’s actions constitute perjury and making false statements, warranting prosecution by the DOJ. Emmer called on Garland to prioritize the criminal referrals submitted by congressional committees in light of Cohen’s actions.
Cohen’s recent testimony during Trump’s trial, where he admitted to stealing from the Trump Organization and lying about reimbursement payments, further strengthens the case for legal action against him, according to Emmer.
Emmer’s letter reflects growing concerns within the GOP about Cohen’s credibility and his role in ongoing legal proceedings involving Trump. It remains to be seen how the DOJ will respond to Emmer’s demands for prosecution.
