Rudy Giuliani ‘left open the possibility’ of pardoning Michael Cohen after FBI raid

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Michael Cohen’s lawyer discussed the possibility of Donald Trump’s former “fixer” receiving a pardon during a meeting with the president’s legal team, according to a new report. Though there is no reported indication Cohen himself knew of the conversations between the attorneys, he told lawmakers last week during an explosive testimony: “I have never asked for, nor would I accept, a pardon from Mr Trump.” The conversations were reportedly held shortly after Cohen’s offices, home and hotel room were raided by FBI agents, who seized documents from the president’s ex-attorney. Mr Trump’s lawyers were also opposed to the idea when Mr Ryan held conversations with them, according to the Wall Street Journal, though Mr Giuliani reportedly left it as an open possibility. “A big, fat, fishing expedition desperately in search of a crime, when in fact the real crime is what the Dems are doing, and have done!” In a statement announcing his committee’s investigation, Mr Nadler said, Investigating these threats to the rule of law is an obligation of Congress and a core function of the House judiciary committee.” Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Cohen will serve a three-year sentence in prison beginning in May, after pleading guilty to lying to Congress, as well as campaign finance violations and tax fraud.