Lanny Davis, the former Clinton attorney representing ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen reportedly established a GoFundMe account for Cohen’s legal and other expenses last August after Cohen pled guilty in federal court to eight federal crimes. The account is named the Michael Cohen Truth Fund. Cohen told Congress at a hearing Wednesday that Cohen is representing him free of charge, but that he hoped to pay Davis when he gets out of prison in three years.
Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA): "Who is paying Lanny Davis?"
Michael Cohen: "At the present moment, no one."
Hice: "So he's doing all this work for nothing?"
Cohen: "Yes, sir. And I hope so." https://t.co/VqKQtP5wOl pic.twitter.com/NdMBwVWiB8— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) February 27, 2019
Michael Cohen says he plans to pay Lanny Davis when he begins earning an income again.
Rep. Jordan is in disbelief that Davis is willing to wait three years.
Cohen: “I guess he thinks it’s important.” https://t.co/rWbs6M4joJ— Ryan Barber (@cryanbarber) February 27, 2019
The GoFundMe account stated at the time of its debut last August (via Business Insider, Aug. 22, 2018):
“On August 21, Michael Cohen made the decision to take legal responsibility and to continue his commitment to tell the truth,” the campaign page stages.
“Michael decided to put his family and his country first. Now Michael needs your financial help — to pay his legal fees.
“The Michael Cohen Truth Fund is a transparent trust account, with all donations going to help Michael Cohen and his family as he goes forward on his journey to tell the truth about Donald Trump.”
The GoFundMe page has since been edited to remove the purpose for legal expenses.
On July 2, 2018, Michael Cohen declared his independence from Donald Trump and his commitment to tell the truth.
On August 21, Michael Cohen made the decision to take legal responsibility and to continue his commitment to tell the truth.
Michael decided to put his family and his country first. Now Michael needs your financial help.
The Michael Cohen Truth Fund is a transparent trust account, with all donations going to help Michael Cohen and his family as he goes forward on his journey to tell the truth about Donald Trump.
Davis made the announcement of the Cohen GoFundMe on MSNBC’s Morning Joe during a TV blitz, reported CNBC:
President Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, has pleaded guilty to tax fraud and campaign finance violations. Now, he’s asking for your money.
Lanny Davis, the public face of Cohen’s legal team, said Wednesday he has set up a “truth fund” to help pay Cohen’s legal fees.
…Davis, a former aide to President Bill Clinton, swept through the morning political talk-show circuit Wednesday. He repeatedly argued that Cohen’s plea deal directly implicates Trump. Davis also said that Cohen has valuable information to provide special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating possible links between Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia.
“Michael Cohen is going to be telling the truth to whoever asks him,” Davis said on MNSBC’s “Morning Joe,” adding, “there are some issues that I think would be of interest.”
But Davis said Cohen and his family are “suffering,” and he directed viewers toward the crowdfunding page.
“We ask everybody who is interested in Michael being able to tell the truth to help him out,” Davis said…
As of Wednesday afternoon, the account has raised $204,850 of a stated goal of $500,000. Cohen’s appearance before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform seems to be driving donations as observed by the steady stream of contributions recorded at the page Wednesday.
Cohen promoted the GoFundMe on Twitter last week.
The schedule has now been set. Looking forward to the #American people hearing my story in my voice! #truth https://t.co/DQhLLxhabHhttps://t.co/BCDwQ8zUfl
— Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) February 21, 2019
Former NYPD officer John Cardillo with an observation and advice for fellow New Yorker Cohen:
Lanny Davis is making sure his Democrat puppets play along. pic.twitter.com/LVBHcRr1yr
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) February 27, 2019
Stay very far away from people who look at you like Lanny Davis now looks at Michael Cohen. pic.twitter.com/kVBzHzFGQh
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) February 27, 2019
The GoFundMe account announced by Lanny Davis states it was created by Lawrence Scherer on August 21, 2018.
A news search shows no media reports naming Scherer as having a role with the Cohen GoFundMe account. Strange.
Roll Call’s Griffin Connolly took a screen shot for a snarky tweet Tuesday.
Judging by their GoFundMe campaigns, looks like Michael Cohen is the more popular of the convicted former Trump advisers. pic.twitter.com/3dgFLVeoDy
— Griffin Connolly (@GriffinConnolly) February 26, 2019
