Roy Cohn (1927–1986) was an American lawyer and political figure who rose to prominence as chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the 1950s Red Scare. Known for his aggressive and often controversial legal tactics, Cohn played a central role in McCarthy’s anti-communist hearings, which sought to expose alleged communist influence in government and other institutions. Following his work with McCarthy, Cohn became a powerful and polarizing figure in New York’s legal and political circles. He represented high-profile clients, including business leaders and organized crime figures, and was known for his connections to influential individuals, including Donald Trump, whom he mentored during Trump’s early career. Cohn’s career was marked by accusations of unethical behavior, including the manipulation of evidence and witness intimidation. In 1986, he was disbarred by the New York Supreme Court on charges of professional misconduct. He died later that year from complications related to AIDS, a diagnosis he denied publicly.
Roy Cohn
