Global Politics Report Editorial

'American Scoundrel' traces Roy Cohn's playbook from McCarthyism to Trump

In Kai Bird's biography of Cohn, he looks at how the lawyer taught Trump how to deny, delay, attack, sue and countersue, never admit defeat, side-step paying bills and avoid a paper trail.

Key Data

Source: NPR Politics

Politics desk: Policy

Published: Sep. 17, 2026 at 12:14 PM ET

Why It Matters

This development may affect public policy, political strategy or institutional decision-making.

The practical test is whether official decisions follow the public statements and political reaction.

What To Watch

Watch for official documents, votes, rulings or agency actions.

Track responses from elected officials, courts, campaigns and affected institutions.

Original source: NPR Politics

Get the GSR Network Weekly Roundup

Selected stories from our six newsrooms, plus a note from founder Joe Rutland. Free, once a week.

By subscribing, you agree to receive the weekly roundup and occasional GSR Network news and service offers. Unsubscribe anytime.

Form not loading? Subscribe on beehiiv.