Roy Cohn, a controversial lawyer known for his aggressive tactics and unethical conduct, has been widely recognized for his significant influence on modern American politics, particularly through his mentorship of Donald Trump. Cohn’s career began in the 1950s as lead counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the notorious anti-communist investigations, where Cohn employed harsh interrogation methods and pursued a relentless campaign against alleged communists. Although McCarthy was eventually censured by the Senate, he lauded Cohn as a “great young American,” a characterization that reflected Cohn’s enduring impact on political strategy.
By the early 1970s, Cohn had taken Donald Trump as a client amidst a federal lawsuit accusing Trump’s family real estate business of racial discrimination. Cohn advised Trump to adopt a combative legal strategy, encouraging countersuits and prolonged litigation to delay proceedings. He also emphasized the importance of publicly declaring victory regardless of the outcome. These tactics—summarized by Cohn’s three rules of winning: “attack, attack, attack; admit nothing and deny everything; and always claim victory”—became foundational to Trump’s approach both in business and politics.
Cohn’s influence extended beyond legal strategy to shaping a style of politics characterized by confrontational rhetoric, disregard for facts, and an emphasis on power and winning at any cost. His approach has been linked to the increasingly polarized and coarse nature of political discourse in the United States. Critics argue that this style has contributed to a political climate marked by divisiveness, misinformation, and a departure from traditional democratic norms.
Despite his power and influence, Cohn’s personal life was complex and marked by contradiction. Although he was Jewish, he was known to direct harsh attacks against other Jews. Openly gay within certain circles but publicly denying it, particularly in relation to his AIDS diagnosis, Cohn projected a persona of ruthless machismo. He died in 1986 from complications related to AIDS, maintaining the denial of his illness until his death.
Cohn’s legacy is reflected not only in his real-life impact but also in cultural portrayals, with dramatizations in film and theater highlighting both his viciousness and his vulnerabilities. His relationship with Trump remains a focal point for understanding the transformation of American political tactics and communication styles over recent decades.
Some observers see Cohn’s influence as emblematic of a broader decline in political civility, while others point to a growing pushback by politicians and younger generations seeking to counteract the negativity and division. Whether the "House That Roy Built" can be repaired remains an open question, as the political strategies he espoused continue to shape public discourse and governance at the highest levels.