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# Cohn's influence on politics traced in 'American Scoundrel'
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/show/newshour/extras/american-scoundrel-1788991314/
- Published: 2026-09-10T01:00:30.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-10T04:30:50.000Z
- Description: Roy Cohn's continued influence on politics and Trump traced in 'American Scoundrel'
- Author: Cascade PBS Staff
- Tags: PBS News Hour, #ZZZ_Show_fe87d6dc-6a0c-4ffb-800c-e787276ea730, #v1.7, #ZZZ_Extra_935d04fb-cd55-438e-9732-666f28be8652, #extra

For decades, Roy Cohn operated at the center of American power, from his work with Sen. Joseph McCarthy to his role as a lawyer, political fixer and mentor to a young Donald Trump. Biographer Kai Bird traces Cohn’s life and the influence he still exerts on American politics in “American Scoundrel." Jeffrey Brown spoke with Bird for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.