The Manhattan district attorney’s office, which is prosecuting Donald Trump in his first criminal trial, has struggled to keep key witness Michael Cohen away from the media. Despite their efforts, Cohen, a former personal attorney to Trump, has continued to seek out media attention, earning about $4.4 million over the last four years by speaking out against his former boss. Cohen’s books, including “Disloyal: A Memoir” and “Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized The Department of Justice Against His Critics,” have been best-sellers, earning him millions of dollars in sales.
Cohen’s success with his books is attributed to the nontraditional deals he structured, including not receiving an advance for either book. This allowed him to earn more than he would have with a standard book deal. In addition to his literary ventures, Cohen also launched a profanity-laced podcast called “Mea Culpa” and later co-hosted a show called “Political Beatdown.” Both podcasts have generated about $1 million for Cohen through ads and merchandise, further adding to his earnings. Despite his financial success, Cohen continues to seek attention, joining TikTok and offering personal videos on Cameo for a fee.
While Cohen has faced criticism for profiting off his association with Trump, he remains unapologetic about seeking ways to monetize his experiences. His growing profile has led to opportunities for further financial gain, including potential plans for a third book, a TV show about his life, or even a run for Congress. Regardless of the controversies surrounding his actions, Cohen’s ability to capitalize on his relationship with Trump showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to go to great lengths to maintain his public image and financial stability.
