The Tara Palmeri Show

Episode: Inside Michael Cohen’s Pardon Play—and How It Could Help Trump on Appeal

Date: January 29, 2026
Host: Tara Palmeri

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode, Tara Palmeri dives into the explosive revelations surrounding Michael Cohen (Donald Trump’s former fixer), his dealings related to the Jeffrey Epstein files, and a complicated backchannel effort allegedly seeking a pardon from Trump. The conversation unravels how these new disclosures could crucially help in Trump’s ongoing legal appeals, especially in the hush money case. Alongside real-time reporting and live fact-checking, Palmeri and her guests pull back the curtain on the persistent tangle of cover-up, power dynamics, and personal motivations at the highest levels of American politics.

Key Discussion Points & Major Insights

1. Michael Cohen and the Epstein Files

[00:17–02:52, 07:21–13:55]

• A Surprise Discovery:
  Independent journalist Ellie Leonard uncovers a letter in the Epstein files suggesting Cohen, while incarcerated, had information linking Trump and Epstein he offered to prosecutors, potentially to reduce his sentence.
• Cohen’s Historical Denial:
  Tara recalls, “He’s always said that he knew nothing about Jeffrey Epstein, never heard a thing, there’s nothing to it.” ([00:35])
• Contradictory Claims:
  Under questioning, Cohen has admitted partial knowledge about one “Jane Doe” case—but his story appears inconsistent and unverifiable.
  Tara: “It was pretty clear from the beginning of our conversation when he said, ‘I know nothing, I know nothing.’ And then by the end... he cracked and admitted that he knew this one case, but it just didn’t make sense.” ([07:35])
• Concern for Victims:
  Both hosts express alarm over Cohen’s handling of alleged sexual assault cases and use of private investigators to track accusers:
  Tara: “I was also kind of disturbed, not kind of, very disturbed to hear that his way of handling it... was to send a private investigator...” ([08:25])
• Legal Implications:
  If Cohen held useful information for prosecutors, why does he now minimize or dismiss its significance? The contradiction raises red flags about his credibility.

2. Prosecutorial Pressure & Impact on Trump’s Appeal

[01:11–02:34, 09:20–13:55]

• Cohen’s New Allegation:
  Cohen now claims New York County DA Alvin Bragg and AG Letitia James pressured him to testify against Trump—making him the “star witness” in the hush money case.
• Timing & Legal Repercussions:
  Tara: “If it seems the star witness was pressured and coerced, [that] could throw the case out altogether. It’s a huge favor to Trump, right?” ([01:34])
• Strategy Suspicions:
  Tara and guests note the suspicious timing of Cohen's reversal of narrative, questioning whether Cohen deliberately switched sides to help himself legally (perhaps in exchange for future leniency).

3. Cohen's Alleged Pardon Play: The Backchannel Saga

[02:34–07:21, 13:55–25:15]

• Lev Parnas’ Account:
  Lev Parnas claims Cohen actively tried to seek a pardon from Trump via backchannels—including connections through controversial figures such as George Santos. Lev: “Michael even reached out to me...if I had any contacts to reach out to Trump to try to figure out what he could give Trump to be able to get a pardon.” ([14:09])
• Live Reporting & Real-Time Texting:
  Tara and the co-host demonstrate journalism in action on-mic, texting both Michael Cohen and George Santos to corroborate or debunk the story.
  Tara: “Hey, Michael, did you ask Jorge Santos?” ([17:33])
  George Santos: “I met Michael once...on election night at the studios of Channel 4 UK...No conversation ever happened.” ([22:24])
  Lev: “Lev has receipts. That’s gonna be your new one.” ([22:29])
• Parnas and Receipts:
  Lev insists he has text evidence proving the backchannel’s existence and points out the shifting stories from those involved.

4. Implications for Accountability & the Epstein Coverup

[07:21–13:55, 25:07–32:49]

• The Rot at the Top:
  Tara contextualizes why the Epstein saga haunts the public imagination:
  “The Epstein story has captivated the American public for so long...that sense that the rot goes all the way to the top.” ([11:53])
• Resistance to Testimony:
  Questions persist about why figures like Cohen and others named in the Epstein files (e.g., Steve Bannon, Michael Wolff) have not been compelled to give sworn testimony.
• Petition and Public Pressure:
  Tara supports efforts to petition Congress for full release of the Epstein files and deposition of all key players:
  “We know Steve Bannon, we know Michael Wolff, and we know Michael Cohen...They should be deposed right now while we’re waiting for the rest.” ([30:47])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Cohen’s Duplicity and Motives

• Tara Palmeri:
  “The man doth protest too much...I’m not sure if it’s real or if he made it up because he felt like he was under pressure and...knew that he couldn’t talk about the Katie Johnson case.” ([10:22])
• Tara Palmeri:
  “I would just like to know a docket number. I’m sure he has notes somewhere...it’s pretty critical.” ([11:30])
• Co-host:
  “Cohen is not stupid. He understands that if he tells on Trump, it’s like Sammy the Bull Gravano telling on Gotti...He would have to admit he was the one that did the things to Katie Johnson. He understands he would never...He would have to pay a heavy price.” ([26:34])

On Real-Time Reporting

• Co-host:
  “This is journalism in action. Wow.” ([18:55])
• Lev Parnas:
  “Lev always has the receipts.” ([22:29])
• Tara Palmeri:
  “Wow, let’s see how far they want to take...” ([32:05])

On Broader Accountability

• Tara Palmeri:
  “If there’s anyone who understands and knows that, it would be him of all people.” ([11:55])
• Co-host:
  “We know these people are named in the Epstein file. We know these people have information about Trump, Epstein, and a lot more than they’re talking. And they should be deposed right now...” ([30:47])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro & Background on Cohen/Epstein File Discovery: 00:17–02:34
• Lev Parnas Describes Cohen’s Pardon Play: 13:55–17:07
• Live Texting with Cohen & Santos: 17:07–24:39
• Lev Insists on Having “Receipts”: 22:29–23:30
• Analysis of What Cohen’s Actions Mean for Trump: 25:07–27:41
• Why the Epstein Ties Remain Explosive: 29:40–32:05
• Wrap-Up & Call to Action on Full Disclosure: 32:05–32:49

Conclusion

This episode captures an extraordinary in-the-moment investigation into Michael Cohen’s recent maneuvers and the explosive legal stakes for all involved. Palmeri and her guests blend dogged reporting, skepticism, and a dash of gallows humor as they chase leads in real time, revealing how old loyalties, personal ambitions, and the shadow of the Epstein scandal continue to collide in modern politics. For anyone interested in the nuts and bolts of accountability at the highest level, this is gripping inside reporting you won’t want to miss.

For the full story and ongoing updates, Palmeri encourages listeners to subscribe to her newsletter, The Red Letter, and support independent journalism.