President Donald Trump's longtime confidant, personal lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, departed for prison Monday. But he had something to say before he left.
"Speaking to reporters outside his Manhattan apartment, Cohen stated:I hope that when I rejoin my family and friends that the country will be in a place without xenophobia, injustice and lies at the helm of our country."
He added:
"There still remains much to be told, and look forward to the day that I can share the truth."
Watch his remarks here.
Michael Cohen, leaving his Manhattan apartment to begin his three-year prison sentence, said "there still remains m… https://t.co/2UPDdYzzzW— POLITICO (@POLITICO) 1557151805.0
It is unclear what Cohen knows, but most speculate it concerns his former employer. As for why he cannot divulge information now, attorney client privilege may be a factor.
The President's fondness for non-disclosure agreements is also a potential reason. It is those secrets contained in Trump's NDA's which led to Cohen's conviction and departure for prison.
Payment made before the 2016 presidential election to adult film star, writer, producer and dancer Stormy Daniels—who had an alleged affair with the President while he was married to First Lady Melania Trump—is the basis of Cohen's campaign finance violation charges. Cohen will also serve time for tax evasion.
In addition to his 3 years of prison time, Cohen must pay $1.4 million in restitution to the IRS and forfeit $500,000 in assets.
Cohen provided congressional testimony, but his recent comments hint at additional information beyond what he revealed then.
As at least one of Cohen's crimes relates to President Donald Trump's political campaign, people wondered why Cohen is going to prison.
@politico And the person who directed him to commit most of these crimes continues to escape justice because the… https://t.co/gN2wmPGMYg— Soros-Funded Deep State Operative (@Soros-Funded Deep State Operative) 1557153882.0
@politico Why is POTUS not right behind him— Tywone lee King (@Tywone lee King) 1557153787.0
@politico @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/393H1SYDrO— Okkie Tenggala (@Okkie Tenggala) 1557153005.0
@politico Trump should be going to jAIL with Him— RAY TOPPIN (@RAY TOPPIN) 1557152483.0
While others wondered why Cohen could not speak freely now.
@politico Just wondering, he has been sentenced, he is going to jail. Why exactly can't he "share the truth" for example... right now?— VoteBlue in 2020 (@VoteBlue in 2020) 1557157765.0
@politico Why not now.— Steve 949 (@Steve 949) 1557151926.0
@politico Um... I think you had your opportunity to tell all? .... no?— Cherie B (@Cherie B) 1557153130.0
But some thought they might know why.
@steve_949 @politico Non-disclosure of some sort?— rollah61 (@rollah61) 1557155376.0
@steve_949 @politico He's scared of being whacked by order of Individual One. 🙄— SunflowerSFC🌻 (@SunflowerSFC🌻) 1557161476.0
@politico Apparently saving something for his future book deal... #Cohen— Capitol Comments (@Capitol Comments) 1557152820.0
A few supporters of President Trump felt anything Cohen might have to say would not affect the President.
But they were largely outnumbered.
@blabarskram @politico That’s quite a little fantasy world you live in chump. https://t.co/6W4SMypEgQ— Soros-Funded Deep State Operative (@Soros-Funded Deep State Operative) 1557153467.0
A few people asked for those commenting on Cohen's fate to show compassion.
@politico He did wrong and is paying for it, but he’s also a human being with a family who loves him. Sparing a tho… https://t.co/CZ5arYNIFq— Melissa Courte (@Melissa Courte) 1557159113.0
Cohen will spend his time in a federal prison in Otisville, New York.