40 Facts About Roy Marcus Cohn

Early Life and Education

Roy Marcus Cohn's journey began in the Bronx, New York, where he was born into a Jewish family. His early years set the stage for a life marked by ambition and controversy.

1. Cohn was born on February 20, 1927, in the Bronx, New York.
2. He attended Columbia University, where he accelerated his education by using programs designed for returning war veterans.
3. By age 20, he had earned both an undergraduate degree and a law degree from Columbia.
4. In 1945, Cohn dodged the U.S. military draft by having himself nominated three times by a friendly congressman to attend West Point. He repeatedly failed the physical endurance exams.

Legal Career and Rise to Prominence

Cohn's legal career took off quickly, marked by high-profile cases and a reputation for ruthlessness.

5. Cohn was admitted to the bar in New York at age 21 and soon became a federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York.
6. He gained a reputation as a ruthless prosecutor for his role in the trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were convicted of spying for the Soviet Union in 1951 and executed in 1953.
7. Cohn’s examination of Ethel Rosenberg’s brother, David Greenglass, was crucial in securing the couple’s convictions. Greenglass later admitted he had lied under oath at Cohn’s inducement.

McCarthy Era and Anti-Communist Crusade

Cohn's work with Senator Joseph McCarthy made him a central figure in the anti-communist crusades of the 1950s.

8. Cohn served as chief counsel on the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, headed by Sen. Joseph McCarthy in 1953–54.
9. He became indispensable in McCarthy’s efforts to publicly shame supposed communist subversives.
10. Through his work with McCarthy, Cohn contributed to the Second Red Scare, a period of intense anti-communist sentiment in the United States.
11. Cohn and McCarthy also contributed to the Lavender Scare, a wave of repression that forced thousands of LGBTQ federal employees out of their jobs.
12. Cohn’s profile rose further during the televised 1954 Army-McCarthy hearings, where the U.S. Army investigated Cohn’s use of his position to get preferential treatment for a recently drafted friend.

High-Profile Clients and Legal Battles

Cohn's legal career included defending some of the most powerful and notorious figures of his time.

13. Cohn had many high-profile clients, including organized-crime bosses, New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.
14. He served as a lawyer for the popular New York City nightclub Studio 54, which he was known to frequent.
15. Notably, Cohn defended Donald Trump and his father, Fred Trump, against charges of racial discrimination in their apartment rentals in 1973. This case marked the beginning of a long-term relationship between Cohn and Trump.

Personal Life and Controversies

Despite his public persona, Cohn's personal life was filled with contradictions and controversies.

16. Financial issues stemming from unpaid bills and his refusal to pay taxes dogged Cohn throughout his life.
17. He was noted for his large network of loyal friends, most of whom were rich and powerful. His famous friends included Barbara Walters, Andy Warhol, Norman Mailer, Ed Koch, Nancy Reagan, and Ronald Reagan.
18. Despite being gay, Cohn always denied it publicly. He was known to have taken his lovers to public events but maintained a facade of heterosexuality.
19. Cohn died on August 2, 1986, from AIDS-related complications at the age of 59. He had been diagnosed with AIDS but continued to deny it publicly until his death.
20. In 1986, Cohn was disbarred by the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court for unethical conduct, including attempting to defraud a dying client.

Influence on Donald Trump

Cohn's mentorship of Donald Trump left a lasting impact on the future president's approach to business and politics.

21. Cohn's influence on Donald Trump cannot be overstated. Trump has often credited Cohn with teaching him how to exploit power and instill fear.
22. This included strategies like attacking opponents and never apologizing, which became hallmarks of Trump’s political career.

Media Manipulation and Public Image

Cohn was a master of media manipulation, using his skills to create a formidable public image.

23. Cohn was expert at media manipulation, using his charisma and legal prowess to create a public image that was both intimidating and influential.
24. He leveraged "scare value" for his clients, making opponents fear the consequences of not complying with his demands.

Political Connections and Influence

Cohn's political connections spanned both major parties, showcasing his ability to navigate complex political landscapes.

25. In 1979, Cohn became a member of the Western Goals Foundation, serving on the board of directors with Edward Teller.
26. He supported most of the Republican presidents of his time, including Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.
27. Simultaneously, Cohn forged close ties to Democrats, including New York mayor Ed Koch and Brooklyn party boss Meade Esposito.
28. In 1972, Cohn helped Nixon discredit the candidacy of George McGovern’s Vice Presidential running mate Thomas Eagleton by leaking Eagleton’s medical records to the press.
29. Cohn aided Roger Stone in Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign in 1979–1980, helping to split the opposition to Reagan in New York.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Cohn's life and career have left a lasting mark on American culture and politics, inspiring numerous portrayals in media.

30. Cohn’s cultural impact extends beyond his legal career, with portrayals in various forms of media, including Tony Kushner's play "Angels in America" and the miniseries "Fellow Travelers."
31. He was the inspiration for Mr. Burns’ nasty unnamed lawyer on "The Simpsons."
32. An Esquire magazine profile titled “Don’t Mess with Roy Cohn” referred to him as “a legal executioner—the toughest, meanest, loyalest, vilest, and one of the most brilliant lawyers in America.”
33. Cohn’s influence on legal strategy taught Trump and other clients how to exploit power and instill fear through aggressive litigation and media manipulation.
34. Cohn took great pride in the Rosenberg verdict, claiming his influence led to both Chief Prosecutor Saypol and Judge Irving Kaufman being appointed to the case.
35. Despite his involvement in the Rosenberg trial, Cohn denied participation in any illegal ex parte discussions.
36. Cohn’s relationship with FBI director J. Edgar Hoover was significant, further solidifying his position in American politics.
37. Cohn’s actions during the Lavender Scare had a profound impact on the LGBTQ community, contributing to a wave of repression that harmed thousands.
38. Despite his powerful position, Cohn struggled with personal issues, including his denial of his own homosexuality and his eventual death from AIDS-related complications.
39. Roy Cohn’s legacy is complex and multifaceted, symbolizing both the power and the corruption of the legal system.
40. His influence on Donald Trump and his role in shaping American politics continue to be relevant today.

Roy Cohn's Lasting Impact

Roy Marcus Cohn left a mark on American politics and law that's hard to ignore. Known for his fierce tactics and controversial alliances, he played a key role in the Second Red Scare and the Lavender Scare, shaping the political climate of his time. His mentorship of Donald Trump and his involvement in high-profile cases like the Rosenberg trial and the Army-McCarthy hearings cemented his reputation as a formidable figure. Despite his public denial of his sexuality and his eventual death from AIDS-related complications, Cohn's influence persists. His legacy is a mix of power, controversy, and cultural impact, making him a subject of continued fascination. Whether admired or reviled, Cohn's life story offers a window into the complexities of American political and legal history.