Biographer Explores Roy Cohn's Influence on American Politics in 'American Scoundrel'

For decades, Roy Cohn operated at the center of American power, from his work with Senator Joseph McCarthy to his role as a lawyer, political fixer, and mentor to a young Donald Trump. Biographer Kai Bird traces Cohn’s life and the influence he still exerts on American politics in "American Scoundrel." Jeffrey Brown spoke with Bird for the arts and culture series, CANVAS. Cohn was a polarizing figure in 20th century American life. Bird, who heads a center on biography at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York, stated, "The biographer doesn't have to like or admire your subject. You just have to be obsessed and figure out what makes this villain tick." Bird is known for co-authoring the Pulitzer Prize-winning "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer." He noted that Cohn's influence has resurfaced in recent years, particularly during the Trump era, stating, "He suddenly is clearly haunting us from his grave." Cohn gained national attention in the 1950s as a prosecutor in the espionage trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg and as chief counsel to Senator McCarthy in his anti-communist efforts. Bird highlighted Cohn's complex character, noting, "Roy was a gay, closeted man then, but he went after gay civil servants in the State Department ruthlessly." Cohn was known for his ambition and ruthlessness, often pushing legal boundaries for friends. Bird quoted H.L. Mencken, saying, "The world would be a very dull place for us honest men if it were not for the sinners. And that's Roy Cohn." Cohn's clients included mafia figures and the owners of Studio 54. He mentored Donald Trump, advising him during a federal case against his housing developments. Trump reportedly sought Cohn's style of aggressive legal strategy. Cohn faced multiple indictments but beat every charge, though he was disbarred shortly before his death in 1986 from AIDS-related complications. Bird noted that Cohn's legacy persists in contemporary politics, particularly in the rise of right-wing populism and resentment against elites. Bird expressed his commitment to understanding Cohn, stating, "As the biographer, you want to become obsessed, and I was." The book is titled "American Scoundrel."