Former US President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against his former personal attorney and “fixer” Michael Cohen, seeking $500 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in a US District Court in Florida, alleges that Cohen breached attorney-client privileges and a confidentiality agreement by spreading falsehoods about Trump.
Cohen, who is currently facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, is expected to be a crucial witness in the criminal case against Trump in New York. He has already testified before the grand jury that indicted Trump, making him the first former or sitting US president to face criminal charges.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges in a Manhattan court on April 4. He claims that Cohen’s “continuous and escalating improper conduct” has left him with no choice but to seek legal action. The lawsuit alleges that Cohen’s statements have caused Trump significant reputational harm and seeks compensatory and punitive damages of more than $500 million, as well as a jury trial.
The former president has a long history of engaging in legal battles and attacking opponents in court. Despite the charges against him, Trump has maintained his innocence and accused the Manhattan district attorney, a Democrat, of launching a political witch hunt against him to derail his 2024 White House campaign.
Cohen, who is now 56 years old, has acknowledged paying Daniels on Trump’s behalf and has been sentenced to three years in prison for various crimes, including the hush money case and tax evasion. He is expected to be a crucial witness for the prosecution if the criminal case against Trump goes to trial.
The lawsuit against Cohen comes amid escalating attacks from Trump allies on Cohen, who is seen as a key witness in the New York investigation into the former president. Cohen’s spokesman and lawyer, Lanny Davis, told the BBC he was confident the lawsuit against his client would fail.
Trump and Cohen had a major falling out after the 2016 election, as investigators began looking into several of Trump’s aides. Despite their previous close relationship, Cohen has become a high-profile critic of Trump since his conviction, appearing on news programs, writing a book, and hosting a podcast.
