The Life & Crimes of Roy Cohn (w/ In Bed with the Right)
May 2, 2025
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Moira Donegan and Adrian Daub, co-hosts of the In Bed with the Right podcast, dive into the life of Roy Cohn—a lawyer infamous for his controversial tactics and role in historical events. They explore Cohn's manipulative methods during the Rosenberg trial and his influential position within McCarthyism, highlighting his complex identity as a gay man leading anti-gay efforts. The discussion unveils the psychological underpinnings of Cohn's character and the ironies of his legacy, showcasing his profound impact on American politics and culture.
Roy Cohn's ruthless tactics in the Rosenberg trial highlight his willingness to manipulate evidence and public perception for political gain.
The complex interplay of Cohn's closeted gay identity with his aggressive political persona underscores the hypocrisy prevalent in his pursuit of power.
Deep dives
Roy Cohn's Infamous Legacy
Roy Cohn is a significant historical figure largely known for his role as an attorney and political fixer, associated with numerous high-profile controversies. His involvement in the prosecution and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg during the Red Scare showcases his uncompromising methods, as Cohn pushed for the death penalty despite the murky evidence against Ethel. Cohn also served as a key aide to Senator Joseph McCarthy, playing a major role in the infamous anti-communist hearings, which targeted LGBTQ individuals as well as alleged communists. His mentorship of Donald Trump further solidifies his influence on contemporary politics, suggesting that Cohn's legacy of manipulation and morally ambiguous tactics is echoed in modern leadership.
The Complexity of Cohn's Identity
Cohn's identity as a closeted gay man intertwined with his aggressive political persona creates a complex narrative about masculinity and power. Despite his pursuit of status and dominance, he maintained a public facade that hid his sexual orientation, which he utilized as both a shield and a weapon against others he deemed subversive. This contradiction is emblematic of his character; he thrived on the very gossip and stigma he helped perpetuate, showcasing a perverse comfort in paradox. His relationships, particularly with figures like G. David Shine, reveal a constant tension between his personal desires and public ambitions, as he practiced a form of politics steeped in hypocrisy.
Cohn's Manipulative Tactics
Cohn's approach to law and politics was marked by a willingness to exploit legal loopholes and media narratives to achieve his goals. He famously manipulated evidence during the Rosenberg trial and orchestrated damaging press leaks while working under J. Edgar Hoover at the FBI, establishing a reputation as a master of public relations and blackmail. Cohn’s aggressive tactics were not merely about winning cases; they were also about instilling fear and maintaining control over narratives in an era filled with paranoia. His actions against perceived threats, including communists and homosexuals, highlight a deeply entrenched belief in using power to destroy enemies, a belief that both furthered his career and sowed chaos in the lives of many.
The Downfall of McCarthyism
The Army-McCarthy hearings marked a turning point in Cohn's career and the broader McCarthyism movement, leading to significant public backlash. Cohn's attempt to leverage political influence for personal gain through the pressures exerted on the Army resulted in a dramatic unraveling of his and McCarthy's careers. The hearings turned into a spectacle of political theater, where personal interests clashed with national security narratives, ultimately exposing the vulnerabilities of those involved. This episode in Cohn's life reflects a larger pattern of downfall that ensued when political machinations met public scrutiny, signaling a shift in American attitudes toward unchecked political power.
Recently Matt joined Moira Donegan and Adrian Daub of the excellent In Bed with the Right podcast to record what turned out to be two episodes about Roy Cohn—the "lawyer, closet case and ratfucker extraordinaire," as they describe him. These days Cohn is perhaps most infamous for being Donald Trump's lawyer and mentor, but this first episode focuses on Cohn's childhood and family life, his decisive role in the Rosenberg trial (especially their execution), and his time working with Sen. Joe McCarthy at the height of the Red Scare. After you listen, please head over to In Bed with the Right to check out the second episode on Cohn and hear the rest of his story.
