The Political Scene | The New Yorker

Episode: How Michael Avenatti is Redefining His Legal Case Against Trump
Host: Dorothy Wickenden
Guest: Adam Davidson
Date: May 10, 2018

Overview

In this episode, host Dorothy Wickenden and New Yorker staff writer Adam Davidson dissect the latest developments in the Trump-Cohen scandal, focusing on Michael Avenatti's release of documents suggesting Michael Cohen, President Trump's long-time personal lawyer, sold access to Trump's administration. The episode explores the implications of Cohen's financial dealings, their possible connections to Russia, and broader patterns of Trump’s business practices. The conversation also touches on Trump's withdrawal from the Iran deal and his business ties to dubious foreign actors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Avenatti’s Bombshell & Cohen’s Shell Company

• Avenatti’s Accusation: Michael Avenatti posted documents showing Michael Cohen received about $4.4 million through a shell company set up just before the 2016 election, including funds from companies with interests in influencing Trump policy.
  • Notable quote:

    "He was hired for one reason and one reason only, and that was he was selling access to the highest office in the land." – Michael Avenatti [02:21]

• Major Clients: AT&T, Novartis, and an investment firm with links to Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg are listed as clients providing large sums to Cohen.
• Use of Funds: The shell company facilitated hush money payments (notably to Stormy Daniels) and allegedly provided companies special access to Trump.

2. Legal vs. Illegal Corruption

• Comparison with Lobbying: Davidson differentiates between traditional lobbying (regulated, with records) and Cohen’s under-the-table deals—done via secret LLCs, not disclosed publicly.
  • Notable quote:

    "What Michael Cohen did sure looks a lot more like illegal corruption... This was a secret llc. This was money that we only know because someone leaked it to Michael Avenatti." – Adam Davidson [06:51]

• Possible Presidential Involvement: Davidson notes it’s unlikely Cohen, so loyal to Trump, would sell access without Trump’s implicit or explicit approval.
  • Notable quote:

    "You do not use the boss's name to pocket some money without kicking any upstairs." – Adam Davidson [08:09]

3. Russian Connections & Potential Influence

• Why Voters Should Care: A first clear, direct link emerges with Russian oligarch money paid to Trump’s close aide—not distant associates.
  • Notable quote:

    "We are talking about one of the core insiders of the Trump Organization for more than a decade. And that is a big leap forward in getting Kremlin influence right into the inner circle of Donald Trump." – Adam Davidson [10:07]

• Who is Viktor Vekselberg? A well-connected billionaire "close to Putin," with interests and charitable dealings in the West, but with deep connections to the Russian banking sector and the Kremlin [15:38].

4. Trump’s Business with Iran and Undesirable Foreign Partners

• Azerbaijan Hotel Episode: The Trump Organization was in business with the Mamatov family, believed to have ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, raising concerns of indirect support for a sanctioned regime.
  • Notable quote:

    "Business people do not do things like this." – Adam Davidson [14:58]

5. Trump’s Mysterious Financing Post-2006

• Shift to Cash Purchases: After U.S. banks stopped lending post-bankruptcies, large amounts of unexplained cash appeared for Trump’s acquisitions—particularly golf courses in Scotland and Ireland.
• Possible Money Laundering: Real estate (especially golf courses) are noted as vehicles for laundering money due to fluctuating valuations and opaque financial flows.
  • Notable quote:

    "Money laundering is a much clearer explanation of the facts than this man... suddenly wanted to help out his, you know, his mom's people." – Adam Davidson [21:44]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Cohen’s Motivation & Operations:

  "People close to the president saw this as an incredible opportunity to enrich themselves." – Adam Davidson [05:33]

• On the Shocking Nature of the Case:

  “This is unbelievably shocking, as so much in the Trump universe is.” – Adam Davidson [06:18]

• On Political Accountability:

  “At the end of the day, any punishment Trump will receive while in office will be the result of a political process, not a legal process.” – Adam Davidson [22:55]

Segment Timestamps

• [01:16] Opening and episode theme introduction
• [02:21] Avenatti explains his allegation against Cohen
• [03:41] Davidson outlines what’s now known about Cohen’s deals
• [06:35] Debate: how this differs from standard lobbying
• [09:53] The Russia connection—why does it matter?
• [13:04] Discussion: Trump’s Iran business and hypocrisy
• [15:30] Profile: Viktor Vekselberg’s links and influence
• [18:32] How Trump’s finances changed after 2006
• [22:28] Legal implications: indictment and the Emoluments Clause

Conclusion

Dorothy Wickenden and Adam Davidson articulate how the uncovered financial network around Cohen represents a significant evolution in the Trump legal saga—from campaign collusion to ongoing possible criminal corruption during the presidency. The episode draws important connecting lines between money flows, foreign influence, and the nature of Trump’s unconventional, sometimes legally questionable business approaches. Davidson warns that true accountability, if it comes, will stem from political, not legal, processes.