How One Notorious Figure Created the Likes of Donald Trump

The recent publication of Kai Bird’s American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn’s Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump has shed light on a figure whose influence extends far beyond 20th-century Washington and New York City. As a lawyer, politician, and operator, Roy Cohn was the embodiment of the corrupting influence of power – a man who built his career on exploiting relationships, manipulating institutions, and getting away with it.

Cohn’s modus operandi is strikingly similar to that of tech industry leaders like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg. Like Cohn, these executives have used their connections to lobby for favorable legislation, silence critics, and shape public opinion. They have amassed enormous power and wealth by cultivating relationships with those in positions of authority and using this influence to advance their interests.

Cohn’s rise to prominence was facilitated by his close ties to J. Edgar Hoover and Joseph McCarthy, who used him as a hatchet man to further their own agendas. Similarly, tech executives often rely on their access to powerful networks to advance their interests. For example, the cozy relationships between tech giants and Washington politicians have allowed them to shape policy and water down regulations.

One of Cohn’s most enduring legacies is his mentorship of Donald Trump. Bird notes that Cohn taught Trump strategies for dealing with challenges and wielding power – tactics that are eerily familiar in today’s tech landscape. The same techniques used by Cohn to manipulate institutions, exploit relationships, and get away with transgressions are being employed by modern-day power players.

The Schine affair is a prime example of this dynamic. Cohn attempted to secure favors and exemptions for his friend David Schine, which led to the Army-McCarthy Hearings of 1954 – an episode that effectively ended McCarthy’s career. Similarly, tech executives have used their influence to silence critics, stifle competition, and shape public opinion.

Cohn’s ability to get away with transgressions is a testament to his skill in navigating complex webs of power and exploiting relationships for personal gain. This capacity for self-preservation is not unique to Cohn – many tech executives have demonstrated a similar ability to deflect accountability and maintain their positions of influence.

The implications of Bird’s book are far-reaching. As the tech industry continues to consolidate power and wealth, it is essential that we acknowledge the dangers of unchecked influence and the corrupting influence of power. We must recognize the parallels between Cohn’s modus operandi and that of modern-day power players – and take steps to prevent the same abuses from occurring in our own time.

The tech industry would do well to heed the lessons of American Scoundrel. By examining the toxic legacy of Roy Cohn, we can better understand the risks of unchecked influence and the importance of accountability. Only by confronting these issues head-on can we hope to prevent the same abuses from happening again – and ensure that power is wielded responsibly in the tech industry.

In this context, Bird’s book serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unbridled ambition and the corrupting influence of power. As we navigate the complex landscape of modern politics and business, it is essential that we remain vigilant against the same abuses that Cohn perpetrated – and strive to create a more just and equitable society for all.