NEW YORK (AP) – President Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen was granted a few more weeks of freedom Wednesday after his lawyers said he’s still recovering from surgery and hasn’t had time to get his affairs in order because he’s preparing to testify before Congress next week.
U.S. District Judge William H. Pauley III approved delaying the start of Cohen’s three-year sentence until May 6. Cohen’s lawyer said he was undergoing intensive post-surgery physical therapy and spending substantial time getting ready for testimony he’s scheduled to deliver to three congressional committees.
The House Oversight and Reform committee said Wednesday night that Cohen would testify publicly on Feb. 27. Chairman Elijah Cummings said in a memo that Cohen would be questioned about issues related to Trump’s business practices, presidential campaign and embattled charitable foundation, including any payments relating to efforts to influence the 2016 election.
Cohen is scheduled to speak to the House Intelligence committee behind closed doors on Feb. 28. That hearing will focus on issues related to special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. Both panels are run by Democrats. It is unclear when he will give closed-door testimony to the Republican-controlled Senate Intelligence committee, which has subpoenaed him.
“Despite @RealDonaldTrump attacks against his family, Mr. Cohen will not be deterred, will speak about his decade long experiences working for Mr. Trump, his own mistakes and decision to put family and country first,” Cohen lawyer Lanny Davis tweeted after the rescheduled hearing was announced.