Michael Cohen, the former personal attorney to Donald Trump, made headlines during a heated appearance on MSNBC, where he confirmed his application for a presidential pardon from the Biden-Harris administration. Speaking with host Symone Sanders, Cohen argued that his treatment as part of the “enemies list” warrants the same consideration President Joe Biden extended to his son, Hunter Biden, who received a pardon earlier this year.
Cohen’s appeal was both emotional and controversial. He detailed the harsh conditions he endured during his imprisonment, particularly the 51 days he spent in solitary confinement, which he described as “hellish.”
“Regarding the pardon, yeah, I put in the application for a presidential pardon because I believe that Joe Biden has the same responsibility to me that he had to his own son,” Cohen said. “And I would expect that the same exact pardon that he gave his son has to go to me and to anybody else that’s on that enemies list, whether they want it or not, because I assure you, solitary confinement, where I did 51 days, sucks.”
The comparison to Hunter Biden drew immediate reactions, both on-air and online. Sanders, while expressing sympathy for Cohen’s experiences, questioned the effectiveness of his approach and the optics of equating himself with the president’s son.
“Michael Cohen, I believe wholeheartedly that the solitary confinement was just a terrible experience for you. And I think your point about the enemies—the proverbial enemies list—is a good one,” Sanders acknowledged. However, she cautioned, “I am struck by your comparing yourself and Hunter Biden. I don’t necessarily think that’s your best way to go get a pardon. I mean, Hunter Biden is the President’s last surviving son.”
Cohen fired back, asserting, “I’m somebody’s son, also, by the way.”
While Sanders conceded his point, she maintained that Cohen’s public strategy might not serve him well. “You are somebody’s son, but to be very clear, you’re not the president’s son,” she said pointedly.
The discussion also veered into the Biden-Harris administration’s policy on pardons, with Sanders clarifying that the administration avoids granting pardons to individuals who publicly declare they don’t want one.
“It is my understanding that… the administration is not going to give a pardon to anybody that doesn’t want one,” Sanders explained. “So folks who have prominently gone out and said, ‘I do not want a pardon,’ the President is not going to issue a pardon to people that don’t want one.”
Cohen remained resolute, suggesting that such individuals might later regret their decision. “They’ll change their mind when they’re sitting behind closed doors. That I can assure you. They’ll kick themselves in the backside for that one,” he said.
NEW: Michael Cohen begs and grovels so hard for a pardon from Biden that even MSNBC has to admonish him:
COHEN: “I would expect that the same exact pardon that he gave his son.”
SANDERS: “To be very clear, you’re not the president’s son.”
Oof. pic.twitter.com/MwkF70kMwX
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) January 12, 2025
Cohen’s appeal for a pardon highlights the ongoing tension surrounding the Biden administration’s pardon decisions, particularly in the wake of Hunter Biden’s pardon, which has been a lightning rod for controversy. Critics accuse the administration of favoritism, while supporters argue that each case should be evaluated on its merits.
The backlash to Cohen’s remarks was swift. Social media erupted with commentary on his direct comparison to Hunter Biden. A clip of the exchange shared by the account @WesternLensman garnered widespread attention. “NEW: Michael Cohen begs and grovels so hard for a pardon from Biden that even MSNBC has to admonish him,” the post read.
Public opinion on Cohen’s pardon request remains divided. While some sympathize with his argument about fairness and the punitive conditions of solitary confinement, others view his comparison to Hunter Biden as a misstep, especially given the personal nature of the president’s decision regarding his son.
Cohen’s approach has also reignited debates over the purpose and execution of presidential pardons. Historically, pardons are granted based on considerations of justice, rehabilitation, and compassion. However, the highly political environment surrounding recent cases has added complexity to an already delicate process.
For Cohen, the stakes are high. His role as a central figure in the investigations into Donald Trump’s activities and his subsequent imprisonment for campaign finance violations have made him a polarizing figure. His public appeal for clemency not only underscores his personal struggle but also serves as a broader commentary on the political dynamics of forgiveness and accountability.
As of now, Cohen has not received a response from the Biden-Harris administration regarding his application. Whether his strategy succeeds or backfires remains to be seen, but his plea has undoubtedly reignited conversations about the nature of justice, fairness, and the power of presidential pardons.
