Cohen's Lawyer Contradicts House Testimony

Lanny Davis, Michael Cohen’s attorney, said Cohen had “directed” one of his lawyers to explore the possibility of a presidential pardon last year.

If so, it would appear to contradict Cohen’s recent congressional testimony that he never asked for a pardon from Trump, Business Insider said.

The website noted Cohen testified in front of the House Oversight Committee: "I have never asked for, nor would I accept, a pardon from Mr. Trump."

The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman, in a tweet posted Thursday, detailed the full statement by Davis.

"Prior to Michael Cohen's decision to leave the 'Joint Defense Group' and tell the truth on July 2, 2018 Michael was open to the ongoing 'dangling' of a possible pardon by Trump representatives privately and in the media," Davis said

"During that time period, he directed his attorney to explore possibilities of a pardon at one point with Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani as well as other lawyers advising President Trump.

"But after July 2, 2018, Mr. Cohen authorized me as a new lawyer to say publicly Mr. Cohen would never accept a pardon from President Trump even if offered. That continues to be the case. And his statement at the Oversight Hearing was true — and consistent with his post joint defense agreement commitment to tell the truth.”

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