Roy Cohn, the infamous lawyer and political fixer, has suddenly re-entered the public discourse, leading to a surge of interest in recent weeks. With over 500+ searches, Cohn's name is once again making headlines, largely due to his controversial role in American politics and his influence on prominent figures like Donald Trump. The upcoming release of The Apprentice, a biopic about Trump that highlights his early years in business and politics, has thrust Cohn's legacy back into the spotlight. But why is Roy Cohn, a man who died in 1986, still so relevant today?
Who Was Roy Cohn?
Roy Cohn was a lawyer best known for his role in the 1950s McCarthy-era "Red Scare," when he served as chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Cohn was instrumental in investigating alleged communist activity in the U.S., often employing ruthless and unethical tactics. His career later shifted to private practice, where he worked as a fixer for high-profile clients, including Donald Trump.
Cohn's influence on Trump is well-documented. The two men met in the 1970s, and Cohn quickly became a mentor to the young real estate mogul. Cohn's aggressive legal strategies and "never admit defeat" mentality shaped Trump’s own approach to business and later, politics. Cohn’s legacy is often cited when discussing Trump’s combative style, particularly in legal and political battles.
Why Is Roy Cohn Trending?
The primary reason Roy Cohn is currently trending is his portrayal in the much-anticipated film The Apprentice, a biopic about Donald Trump's early life and rise to prominence. The film has garnered significant attention, not just for its subject matter but also for the controversial elements surrounding its production and release.
In New York Magazine's article, The Apprentice has been mired in controversy for years, from Donald Trump’s legal threats against the filmmakers to the inclusion of sensitive scenes, such as Ivana Trump’s rape allegations against Trump. The drama surrounding the film has only intensified as its release date approaches, drawing even more scrutiny to the people who shaped Trump’s early career—chief among them, Roy Cohn.
The movie highlights Cohn’s role in mentoring Trump, particularly teaching him the value of ruthless legal tactics and how to manipulate the media. This portrayal of Cohn has reignited interest in his legacy, as people are curious to understand how figures like him helped shape the political landscape we see today.
Roy Cohn and The Apprentice: A Central Figure
Cohn’s influence on Trump is a focal point in The Apprentice. According to Variety’s interview with Sebastian Stan, the actor who plays Donald Trump in the film, a significant portion of the movie explores Trump’s early years in New York real estate, when Cohn served as his lawyer and advisor. Stan reveals that his preparation for the role involved watching over 500 videos of Trump, an effort to capture the persona that Cohn helped craft.
Stan also underwent a physical transformation, gaining 15 pounds for the role. He noted the psychological toll of embodying such a polarizing figure, referring to the experience as “one giant nightmare.” This intense preparation underscores the importance of Cohn's influence on Trump, as the film delves deep into how Cohn’s mentorship shaped Trump’s approach to business and power.
In another feature by Vanity Fair, Stan discusses how The Apprentice might be one of the most controversial films of 2024. The film’s portrayal of Cohn is expected to reignite debate about the lawyer's legacy, particularly his role in shaping Trump’s confrontational style, which has remained a hallmark of his political career.
Cultural and Political Impact
Cohn’s influence extends far beyond his relationship with Trump. His role in the McCarthy hearings, where he helped to blacklist individuals accused of communist ties, left an indelible mark on American politics. His tactics—public shaming, media manipulation, and aggressive legal action—are still used by some political figures today. In many ways, Cohn’s legacy is a blueprint for the kind of populist, confrontational politics that has gained traction in recent years.
The renewed interest in Roy Cohn, especially in the context of The Apprentice, serves as a reminder of how figures from the past continue to shape our present. Cohn’s life and career symbolize the dark side of American power—where legality and morality are often sacrificed for success. As people revisit his legacy, many are reexamining the role he played in shaping the political landscape of the 21st century.
Conclusion
Roy Cohn is once again in the public eye, not just for his controversial role in American history but for his profound influence on Donald Trump, a figure who continues to dominate the political discourse. With the release of The Apprentice, Cohn’s tactics, ethics, and legacy are under renewed scrutiny. As the film stirs up debate, it’s clear that Cohn’s shadow looms large over both Hollywood and Washington, D.C., reminding us that the past is never truly behind us.