President Donald Trump has once again shifted the political landscape, creating challenges for Democrats who are struggling to counter his influence. That was the assessment of Michael Cohen, Trump’s attorney and once self-described “fixer,” during an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Weekend Primetime.”
Cohen argued that Trump’s ability to withstand scrutiny over the Jeffrey Epstein files demonstrates how he has reshaped American politics. “Trump has fixed the game,” Cohen said. “This is not the game that Washington remembers, or even understands. The [Democratic National Committee] has no idea how to deal with this.”
The Epstein files, which are expected to draw intense attention when Congress reconvenes in September, could be one of the most contentious issues lawmakers face. Analysts believe the documents will spark a heated debate over accountability and transparency.
Yet Cohen suggested Trump’s hold over the Republican caucus means the president could exert significant influence on how the controversy unfolds. Cohen described Trump’s grip on the Republican Party as both unprecedented and dangerous. He warned that the party’s loyalty to Trump is allowing him to sidestep accountability.
“Donald Trump controls the House [of Representatives], and Mike Johnson (R-LA) will never allow this on the floor,” Cohen said in reference to efforts to release the Epstein files. “Whether it’s six or eight, Trump’s team will reach out to those individuals, and they will figure something out.”
He also issued a broader warning about the long-term consequences of Trump’s political dominance. “And so, it’s every single day we are going to wake up to more chaos, we’re going to wake up to more scenarios that just erode our democratic republic, our norms, until one day we wake up and we don’t recognize America any longer,” Cohen said.
The comments highlight growing concerns about how Trump’s continued influence could shape both the Republican agenda and national politics heading into the 2024 election cycle. His critics argue that his sway over lawmakers has turned accountability into a partisan issue, leaving Democrats without an effective strategy.
For now, the Epstein files remain a looming battle in Washington. While advocates for transparency push for full disclosure, Cohen’s remarks suggest Trump’s allies are prepared to shield him from fallout. As the political calendar moves closer to September, the question of whether Congress will act on the documents could become another test of Trump’s power and the ability of Democrats to respond.