President Donald Trump on Sunday amplified a Substack post by his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen—now a critic—praising his account of alleged government “weaponization” and calling for consequences against Democrats.
In a Truth Social post, Trump thanked Cohen and accused Democrats of using the government against political opponents “at levels never seen before,” adding: “They should pay the ultimate price for what they have done!!!”
The post shared a lengthy essay by Cohen backing the administration’s controversial “anti-weaponization” fund, marking a striking moment of alignment between the two men despite their long-standing feud.
What Trump Said
Trump’s message directly endorsed Cohen’s claims while escalating his rhetoric.
He linked to Cohen’s Substack article, titled “The Price of Proximity,” which argues that individuals harmed by politically motivated investigations should be compensated.
Trump has repeatedly claimed federal agencies were used unfairly against him and his allies, framing such actions as “weaponization,” an argument that has become central to his broader political messaging.
Cohen’s ‘Weaponization’ Argument
In the essay, Cohen said he supports the anti-weaponization fund because of his own experience with the justice system, describing what he characterized as a sustained “campaign” involving investigations, media coverage, and legal pressure.
Cohen wrote that he lost his law license, business relationships, and reputation, and was subjected to prison time in cases that he argues were driven by false allegations and political motives.
“If the Anti-Weaponization Fund genuinely exists to compensate victims of politically motivated investigations,” he wrote, “then I believe my experience stands among the clearest examples of why such a fund should exist.”
Cohen—once Trump’s longtime “fixer”—later became a vocal critic of the president and served a prison sentence tied to campaign finance violations related to payments made on Trump’s behalf.
What Is the ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’?
The anti-weaponization fund, valued at roughly $1.8 billion, was created as part of a settlement tied to Trump’s lawsuit over leaked tax returns.
The Justice Department has said the fund is intended to compensate individuals who claim they were harmed by government “weaponization” or “lawfare,” offering monetary payouts or formal apologies.
Supporters argue it is needed to address political bias within federal investigations, while critics—including some Republicans—have raised concerns about how funds could be distributed and who might qualify.
The initiative has drawn scrutiny and legal challenges, and its future remains uncertain as debates continue in Washington.
Why This Is Notable
Trump’s decision to promote Cohen’s writing stands out given the pair’s long and contentious history.
Cohen was one of Trump’s closest advisers for years before later testifying against him and becoming a frequent public critic. His pivot toward supporting the anti-weaponization fund—and Trump’s willingness to amplify that position—shows how central the issue has become in current political debate.
For Trump, the post reinforces a key narrative about alleged government overreach. For Cohen, it signals a notable point of agreement with a figure he once publicly opposed, highlighting an unusual overlap between former allies and critics on one of the administration’s most contentious policies.
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