Former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen is seeking to revive his lawsuit against the former president for alleged retaliation, according to Cohen’s attorney.
Cohen’s lawsuit, filed in 2021, accuses Trump, along with former Attorney General Bill Barr and other federal officials, of retaliating against him for public comments made about a critical tell-all book. After refusing to sign an agreement restricting his media engagement, Cohen was placed in solitary confinement for over two weeks.
Despite the dismissal of Cohen’s lawsuit for damages by a US District Court and the subsequent affirmation of that decision by the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals, Cohen is now appealing to the Supreme Court.
In his appeal, Cohen argues that he was imprisoned and placed in solitary confinement as a result of his refusal to waive his right to free speech. He believes this case signifies the potential repercussions for critics of the executive branch.
For Cohen’s claim to move forward, it must overcome a significant obstacle established by the Supreme Court limiting lawsuits against federal law enforcement officials. The court has been hesitant to broaden the circumstances under which individuals can sue federal agents, as highlighted by a case from two years ago involving a Border Patrol agent.
Cohen, in an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, described himself as a “political prisoner” held for asserting his constitutional rights. He emphasized the importance of the Supreme Court hearing his case.
A decision on whether to hear arguments in Cohen’s appeal is expected in the fall. A spokesperson for the Trump campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Cohen, who pleaded guilty to multiple charges including campaign finance violations, served a three-year prison sentence before being released on furlough in 2020. A subsequent disagreement with probation officials led to his return to prison and placement in solitary confinement.
Trump’s legal team has dismissed Cohen’s claims as baseless, arguing that no connection can be established between the former president and the agreement in question.
Following an order from a federal court, Cohen was released from prison shortly thereafter. This article has been updated with additional information.contributions from CNN’s Jack Forrest.
