Former President Donald Trump appeared in a New York courtroom recently, defending himself against civil fraud charges. Trump has repeatedly claimed that these legal proceedings are part of a witch hunt and political persecution against him. However, there is an argument that Trump himself has utilized the legal system to his advantage for over five decades.
A recent article titled 'This to Him is the Grand Finale: Donald Trump's 50-Year Mission to Discredit the Justice System' delves into the psychology, tactics, and strategies employed by Trump throughout his lengthy legal battles. The piece highlights various cases involving Trump, dating all the way back to 1973 when the federal government sued him and his father on allegations of racist rental practices.
In this particular case, a 27-year-old Donald Trump hired Roy Cohn, a notorious attorney who had previously served as an aide and attorney to Senator Joe McCarthy in the 1950s. Cohn was known as a formidable legal figure in New York, and Trump sought his assistance during the lawsuit. It was during this case that Cohn became one of Trump's most influential mentors, teaching him invaluable lessons that would shape his approach to legal matters.
Throughout the case, Trump learned key strategies from Cohn, including attacking, denying, and most significantly, delaying. These tactics proved successful for Trump, and he absorbed them greedily during the 1970s. Following Cohn's death in 1986, Trump continued to search for another influential figure who could fill the role Cohn once did.
It is important to note that these legal battles and strategies employed by Trump have persisted over the years. His recent appearance in court echoes the same techniques used decades ago. Trump's insistence on dismissing the charges as politically motivated and discrediting the justice system aligns with his long-standing approach.
The article sheds light on Trump's ability to manipulate the legal system to his benefit, using delay tactics and fostering doubt in the minds of his opponents. It argues that his experience with the legal process has honed his skills and allowed him to navigate tricky situations with apparent ease.
As the legal proceedings against Trump continue, it remains to be seen how his years of experience will influence the outcome. Nevertheless, his use of the legal system over the past 50 years has undoubtedly shaped his approach to handling legal matters and has become a defining characteristic of his presidency.
