Former fixer for Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, is seeking to revive his lawsuit against the ex-president for alleged retaliation related to Cohen's critical tell-all book. Cohen's attorney confirmed that he filed an appeal with the Supreme Court after lower courts dismissed his case.
In 2021, Cohen sued Trump, former Attorney General Bill Barr, and other officials, claiming retaliation for comments made about his book. Cohen was placed in solitary confinement for over two weeks after refusing to sign an agreement restricting his media interactions.
The US District Court and the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Cohen, prompting his appeal to the Supreme Court. Cohen argues that his case highlights the issue of silencing critics without consequences.
The Supreme Court has set a high bar for suing federal law enforcement officials, citing a 1971 decision that limits such lawsuits. Cohen's appeal faces this challenge, as the court has been cautious in expanding rights to sue federal agents.
Trump's campaign spokesperson has not yet responded to requests for comment on Cohen's appeal. Cohen, who previously served a prison sentence for campaign finance violations, was released on furlough in 2020.
After a disagreement with probation officials over media engagement restrictions, Cohen was returned to prison and placed in solitary confinement for 16 days. Trump's legal team has dismissed Cohen's claims as baseless.
The Supreme Court is expected to decide in the fall whether to hear arguments in Cohen's appeal. A federal court ordered Cohen's release shortly after the appeals court ruling.
