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Kai Bird Explores Roy Cohn's Influence on Donald Trump's America

Historian Kai Bird analyzes Roy Cohn's role in shaping Donald Trump's political and personal ethos in this insightful New Yorker feature.

LeadNews24 · Aug 30, 2026 · 2 min read

Kai Bird Examines How Roy Cohn Shaped Donald Trump’s Rise in New Podcast Episode

Kai Bird, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author, explores the influential yet controversial figure of Roy Cohn in a new episode of *The New Yorker Radio Hour*. The episode examines how Cohn, a prominent lawyer and political strategist, became a mentor to Donald Trump during the 1970s and 1980s, shaping the future president’s approach to power, media, and legal strategy. The discussion is part of a broader examination of Cohn’s legacy and his role in American political culture.

Bird, known for his deep historical insights, delves into Cohn’s controversial career, which spanned high-profile legal cases, ties to McCarthy-era investigations, and later, his close relationship with Trump. The episode highlights key moments in Cohn’s life, including his work on behalf of controversial clients and his influence on Trump’s early business and political strategies. Bird’s analysis provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of how Cohn’s tactics—such as aggressive legal maneuvering and media manipulation—became foundational to Trump’s own political style.

The *New Yorker Radio Hour*, a co-production of WNYC Studios and *The New Yorker*, regularly features in-depth discussions on politics, culture, and history. The episode featuring Bird is the latest in a series of thought-provoking conversations that have drawn a growing audience since the show’s launch. Bird’s expertise in 20th-century American history adds depth to the discussion, offering listeners a historical lens through which to view contemporary political dynamics.

Listeners can access the episode on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast directories. New episodes of *The New Yorker Radio Hour* are released every Tuesday and Friday, providing regular content for audiences interested in political analysis, historical insights, and cultural commentary. The show continues to be a leading source for engaging, well-researched discussions in the podcasting space.

For those interested in further reading, *The New Yorker* offers a wealth of articles and essays that complement the themes explored in the episode. The publication remains a trusted source for journalism, providing readers with in-depth reporting and expert analysis on a wide range of topics.

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Originally reported by The New Yorker. View original source

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