Roy Cohn influenced Donald Trump's rise to power

In the early 1950s, Roy Cohn emerged as a notable figure in the American political landscape, particularly through his close association with Senator Joseph McCarthy during the height of the anti-communist sentiment. As a young attorney, Cohn played a pivotal role in the infamous witch hunts targeting alleged communists, showcasing his strong partisan beliefs while working as a zealous assistant to Attorney General James McGranery. His efforts contributed to significant events, including the controversial prosecution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were executed on charges of espionage. Cohn's actions and ideology during this period were marked by a deep-seated homophobia and a vehement crusade against what he perceived as communist influences in the United States. Cohn's influence extended beyond politics, eventually mentoring Donald Trump in the 1970s. Trump was reportedly shaped by Cohn's unwavering belief in power dynamics, cunning strategies, and aggressive legal tactics, learning to embody the principles of unscrupulousness and victory as essential GOP attributes. As Cohn's career progressed, he faced numerous controversies, including ethical allegations and the questionable methods he employed to protect his allies. Nevertheless, his legacy continued to impact Trump's approach to business and politics. The nature of their relationship has been a subject of scrutiny, with commentators describing Cohn as a corrupted role model for Trump, instilling values centered on disdain for legal norms and a distorted view of success. As such, the political ethos fostered by Cohn is frequently invoked when analyzing Trump's controversial style of governance, especially in the context of modern politics and legal battles. The narrative of Cohn's life, filled with ambiguities and contradictions, is a reminder of the dangerous intersections between power, ambition, and moral compromise that continue to resonate in contemporary political discourse.