Roy Cohn | Biography

• By Priyanka Das
• Original : April 21, 2025

Who is Roy Cohn?

Roy Cohn was a prominent American lawyer born on February 20, 1927, in the Bronx, New York. Coming from a well-connected family, with his father serving as a Supreme Court judge and an uncle linked to the notorious downfall of the Bank of the United States, Cohn’s upbringing was steeped in both legal and political influence. He graduated from Columbia Law School at the young age of 20 and quickly made a name for himself during the Second Red Scare of the 1950s as a chief counsel for Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-Communist investigations. His aggressive tactics and ruthless questioning style were indicative of his personality, marking him as both a notable and controversial figure in U.S. legal history.

Cohn's career was characterized by high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were convicted of espionage. Known for his connections with powerful clients, including Donald Trump, Cohn became a self-styled political fixer. However, after a turbulent period marked by legal troubles, including disbarment over unethical practices, Cohn’s life came to an end on August 2, 1986. His legacy is complex, shaped by both his mentorship of Trump and his infamous reputation for manipulating the legal system. Cohn's influence lingered long after his death, as analysts and historians continue to draw parallels between his legal strategies and Trump's political approach.

Early Life and Education

Roy Cohn was born on February 20, 1927, in the Bronx, New York, into a family deeply entrenched in the realms of business and politics. His father, Albert Cohn, served as a Bronx county judge and later ascended to become a State Supreme Court judge, which immersed Roy in a world filled with powerful figures and legal intricacies from an early age. The influence of affluent relatives, including his great-uncle who founded the Lionel toy train company, contributed to his upbringing in a dynamic environment rich in ambition and connections. However, his family also bore a complicated legacy, highlighted by the arrest and imprisonment of his maternal uncle for fraud during the Great Depression.

Cohn’s education laid the groundwork for his future as a formidable lawyer. He graduated from Columbia Law School at the remarkably young age of 20, an accomplishment that marked the beginning of his legal career. His early practice focused on "subversive activities," which eventually led him to a high-profile role during the Second Red Scare of the 1950s. It was during this time that he became a significant figure in the McCarthy hearings, showcasing his aggressive legal tactics and penchant for controversy. Cohn's background and education shaped a worldview that emphasized power and influence, traits that would define his career and influence his relationship with Donald Trump.

Career Start: Legal Career in the 1950s

Roy Cohn embarked on his legal journey shortly after graduating from Columbia Law School at the age of 20. He quickly made a name for himself as an assistant U.S. attorney, focusing on cases involving “subversive activities” during the turbulent Second Red Scare of the 1950s. Cohn’s aggressive, often controversial tactics brought him into the spotlight, especially as he took on high-profile cases that put him at the center of political drama. His role in prosecuting Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, charged with espionage for allegedly passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union, marked the beginning of a career defined by both legal prowess and ethical difficulties.

In 1954, Cohn was appointed as the chief counsel for Senator Joseph McCarthy's Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Cohn's tenure became notorious for his ruthless questioning of alleged Communists and LGBTQ individuals within the U.S. government, further entrenching his reputation as a hard-hitting legal advisor. He thrived on the power he wielded, exemplified by his direct involvement in interrogations that often skirted the line of propriety. Despite the eventual discrediting of McCarthyism, Cohn's formidable skills laid a foundation for his subsequent success as a private practice lawyer, one that would later include a client who would significantly shape his legacy: Donald Trump.

Cohn's Influence on Donald Trump

Roy Cohn, born on February 20, 1927, in the Bronx, was a lawyer whose career has left a controversial legacy. He emerged as a significant figure in American politics during the 1950s, particularly known for his role as chief counsel for Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare. Cohn's ruthless approach to legal practice, characterized by aggressive tactics and a win-at-all-costs mentality, resonated deeply with Donald Trump. Their relationship began in the early 1970s when Trump sought Cohn’s expertise amidst allegations of racial discrimination against his real estate ventures. Cohn's legal maneuvering not only helped Trump navigate this crisis but also established a foundation for their enduring partnership.

The influence of Roy Cohn on Donald Trump is often cited as foundational in Trump's approach to business and politics. Cohn became not only a legal advisor but a mentor who taught Trump how to wield power effectively and retaliate against adversaries. Their communication was intense, with Trump consulting Cohn regularly on various matters, including deals and personal relationships. Cohn recognized Trump’s potential as a rising figure in New York City, predicting his reach would extend globally. This mentorship cultivated qualities in Trump that would later become hallmarks of his political style—fearlessness, aggressive confrontation, and a disregard for conventional ethics. The dynamics of their relationship continue to provoke discussion about Cohn’s lasting impact on Trump's identity as both a businessman and a politician.

Final Years and Health Issues

In the final years of Roy Cohn's life, his health rapidly deteriorated following the revelation of his AIDS diagnosis, which he initially masked by claiming he was suffering from liver cancer. This misrepresentation reflected Cohn's lifelong penchant for controlling narratives, a trait that had spanned his controversial career as a lawyer and political fixer. By 1984, Cohn was grappling with a host of serious health problems that would ultimately culminate in his disbarment in June 1986, after a judicial panel found credible evidence of serious misconduct, including falsifying legal documents. His fall from grace served as a stark reminder of how the legal and political machinery could turn against even the most formidable figure in New York's power structure.

Despite his declining health, Cohn continued to engage with his high-profile clients, advocating for them in various legal matters. His connections within the media and political circles remained influential, though his reputation was increasingly tarnished. In a tragic twist, he faced a litany of challenges, including the fear of losing his law license and the isolation that came with his health issues. His passing on August 2, 1986, from cardiac arrest marked the end of a notorious chapter in American legal history, as he was regarded not just for his legal acumen but also for the darker aspects of his legacy, including his ruthless tactics and deep connections to power. Following his death, Cohn's complex life and career continue to be scrutinized, reflecting a figure whose impact significantly shaped subsequent generations in both business and politics.

Personal Life: Relationships and Partnerships

Roy Cohn was a complex figure whose personal relationships often mirrored the aggressive and controversial nature of his professional life. Born into an affluent family in the Bronx, Cohn was influenced by a lineage steeped in law and politics. His father, Albert Cohn, served as a Bronx county judge and later as a State Supreme Court judge, imparting a strong sense of ambition and power-seeking that shaped Roy's legal career. Cohn’s relationships were notably transactional, characterized by a drive to cultivate powerful connections that could elevate his status, including alliances with influential figures in New York and beyond.

Throughout his career, Cohn's proximity to high-profile clients, such as Donald Trump and George Steinbrenner, allowed him to leverage his network for personal and professional gain. While his partnership with Trump began in the 1970s amid legal troubles, it quickly evolved into a mentoring relationship that significantly influenced Trump’s business practices and political strategies. Cohn's advocacy of a "win-at-all-costs" mentality only deepened this partnership, as they shared a common philosophy of power and self-promotion that would resonate throughout Trump's career, particularly in the political arena where aggression often overrode ethics.

Net Worth and Earning: Career Earnings

Roy Cohn was a prominent attorney and controversial figure in American legal history, best known for his role as chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Second Red Scare. Born on February 20, 1927, in the Bronx, New York, Cohn came from a well-connected family, which paved the way for his entry into politics and law. He graduated from Columbia Law School at the young age of 20 and quickly gained notoriety for his aggressive tactics in the courtroom. His career peaked during the 1950s, but his reputation was marred by numerous ethical breaches and a strong association with high-profile clients, including Donald Trump.

In the realm of career earnings, Cohn was a skilled power broker and political fixer, whose legal fees commanded substantial sums. He represented a variety of fortune, from high-profile clients, including the New York Yankees’ George Steinbrenner to real estate moguls like Trump. His ability to manipulate media narratives and protect his clients contributed to his financial success. At the time of his disbarment in 1986, Cohn had amassed considerable wealth, but the exact figure of his net worth fluctuated throughout his tumultuous career. Ultimately, Cohn’s legacy is complex, marked by both his legal prowess and the many controversies that followed him.