Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.) had harsh words for President Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for postponing Tuesday’s scheduled closed-door meeting with senators.
“Any goodwill that might have existed in the committee with Michael Cohen is now gone,” Burr told reporters on Capitol Hill.
Cohen was slated to meet with committee members on Tuesday after he was subpoenaed last month to testify in the panel’s investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
But on Monday his lawyer, Lanny Davis, requested a delay, citing medical reasons after a recent surgery.
Burr took issue with that characterization.
“He’s already stiffed us on being in Washington today because of an illness, yet on Twitter a reporter reported he was having a wild night on Saturday night in New York, eating out with 5 buddies,” Burr said. “Didn’t seem to have any physical limitations, and he was out with his wife last night.”
Davis, when reached for comment by The Hill, said Burr’s description was “inaccurate.”
“Despite Sen. Burr’s inaccurate comment, Mr. Cohen was expected to and continues to suffer from severe post shoulder surgery pain, as confirmed by a letter from his surgeon, which was sent to Sen. Burr and Sen. Warner,” Davis wrote, referring to Sen. Mark Warner (Va.), the top Democrat on the committee.
“The medication Mr. Cohen is currently taking made it impossible for him to testify this week,” Davis added. “It should be noted that Mr. Cohen committed to all three committees that he would voluntarily testify before the end of the month. We believe Sen. Burr should appreciate that it is possible for Mr. Cohen to be in pain and still have dinner in a restaurant with his wife and friends.”
Cohen is due to report to federal prison in less than a month after pleading guilty for lying to Congress and for paying hush money to women who alleged having affairs with Trump.
It’s unclear whether Cohen will testify in front of the Intelligence Committee before he reports to prison.
“I would prefer to get him before he goes to prison,” Burr said. “But, you know, the way he’s positioning himself not coming to the committee, we may help him go to prison.”
—Alexandra Oliveira
Updated at 7:34 p.m.
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