Jordan and Meadows Seek Information About Unusual Admissions By Michael Cohen Media Advisor Lanny Davis
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) sent a letter to Guy Petrillo, Michael D. Cohen’s criminal defense attorney. The letter seeks information and clarification on several issues raised by, Lanny Davis, a longtime Democratic operative who is serving as Mr. Cohen’s media advisor and attorney.
Excerpts of the letter:
On Scope of Cohen’s testimony:
“Davis told us Cohen’s testimony will exclude any matter ‘under investigation.’ The non-exhaustive list of issues that Cohen will refuse to address include matters involving the Attorney General for the State of New York, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and the office of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Of course, this is not an easy list of topics to sidestep at a Congressional hearing with such intense public interest.”
On Origins of Cohen’s appearance:
“According to Davis, he has been working with Chairman Elijah E. Cummings for ‘one or two months’ on Cohen’s appearance before the Committee. After an unspecified number of meetings and communications, Davis indicated the Chairman finally ‘came around’ to the idea of having a hearing.”
On Purpose of Cohen’s appearance:
“According to Davis, the sole purpose of Cohen’s appearance before the Committee is to allow Cohen to share his personal anecdotes about his time working for the then-private citizen Donald J. Trump, and his experiences after Mr. Trump became President. Pressed on how Cohen’s testimony is jurisdictionally related to the Committee’s role in overseeing the functioning, efficiency, and effectiveness of the federal government, Davis stated Cohen has ‘anecdotes about his time with the President.’ He forewarned the hearing will likely be ‘unsatisfying’ and ‘frustrating’ for Members of the Committee.”
On Conflict of interest issues and compensation:
“Given Davis’s close association with former President Bill Clinton and 2016 Democratic nominee for President and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, we also have questions about how Cohen’s legal representatives resolve the conflict of interest Davis’s representation presents. Davis’s role as consigliere for the Clintons and those close to them raises the specter his client loyalties may be divided. We seek clarification on whether any waivers have been executed.”
“We do know Cohen is not paying Davis. Davis told us his firm has a representation agreement with a fee. When asked directly whether Cohen is paying his fee, Davis cryptically said he could not answer but if Cohen was paying his fee, ‘I would say yes.'”
Full text of the letter can be viewed here.