Michael Cohen, the former personal attorney to Donald Trump, made a direct and emotional plea for a presidential pardon from Joe Biden during an appearance on MSNBC. Speaking with host Symone Sanders, Cohen defended his application for clemency, arguing that he deserves the same treatment as Hunter Biden, who received a pardon earlier this year.
Cohen described his time in prison, including 51 days in solitary confinement, as an unjust punishment that should prompt President Biden to show him the same compassion he showed his own son.
“Regarding the pardon, yeah, I put in the application for a presidential pardon because I believe that Joe Biden has the same responsibility to me that he had to his own son,” Cohen stated. “And I would expect that the same exact pardon that he gave his son has to go to me and to anybody else that’s on that enemies list, whether they want it or not, because I assure you, solitary confinement, where I did 51 days, sucks.”
Cohen’s comparison to Hunter Biden ignited a sharp back-and-forth with Sanders, who expressed skepticism about his approach. While acknowledging the harsh conditions of solitary confinement, she warned Cohen that equating his situation to Hunter Biden’s might not strengthen his case.
“Michael Cohen, I believe wholeheartedly that the solitary confinement was just a terrible experience for you. And I think your point about the enemies—the proverbial enemies list—is a good one,” Sanders said. “But I am struck by your comparing yourself and Hunter Biden. I don’t necessarily think that’s your best way to go get a pardon. I mean, Hunter Biden is the President’s last surviving son.”
Cohen pushed back, saying, “I’m somebody’s son, also, by the way.”
Sanders responded, “Agreed, you are somebody’s son, but to be very clear, you’re not the president’s son.”
The exchange underscored the sensitive nature of Cohen’s request and the political challenges surrounding presidential pardons. Sanders also explained the Biden administration’s stance on granting clemency, noting that pardons are unlikely for individuals who publicly claim they don’t want one.
“It is my understanding that… the administration is not going to give a pardon to anybody that doesn’t want one,” Sanders explained. “So folks who have prominently gone out and said, ‘I do not want a pardon,’ the President is not going to issue a pardon to people that don’t want one.”
Cohen remained confident that those rejecting pardons now would change their minds. “They’ll change their mind when they’re sitting behind closed doors. That I can assure you. They’ll kick themselves in the backside for that one,” he said.
NEW: Michael Cohen begs and grovels so hard for a pardon from Biden that even MSNBC has to admonish him:
COHEN: “I would expect that the same exact pardon that he gave his son.”
SANDERS: “To be very clear, you’re not the president’s son.”
Oof. pic.twitter.com/MwkF70kMwX
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) January 12, 2025
The comparison to Hunter Biden drew mixed reactions. Cohen’s insistence on equal treatment sparked debates over fairness, given the unique personal connection between President Biden and his son. Critics argued that Cohen’s strategy risked alienating decision-makers by framing his appeal in such personal terms.
The clip of Cohen’s MSNBC appearance quickly went viral. A post shared by the account @WesternLensman on social media highlighted Sanders’ pointed response, captioned: “Michael Cohen begs and grovels so hard for a pardon from Biden that even MSNBC has to admonish him.”
Cohen’s public plea adds another layer to the ongoing debates surrounding the Biden administration’s clemency decisions. Critics of the administration accuse it of favoritism in pardoning Hunter Biden, while supporters argue that such decisions should be based on justice, not political optics. Cohen’s comments, which highlight his time in solitary confinement, aim to shift the narrative toward fairness for all who have been targeted politically.
However, the public nature of his appeal and his comparison to Hunter Biden may complicate his efforts. Presidential pardons are historically contentious, often shaped by political dynamics and public perception. While Cohen seeks to frame his request as a matter of justice and equal treatment, the personal nature of his appeal risks overshadowing his broader argument.
For Cohen, the stakes are high. His role as a central figure in the investigations into Donald Trump’s dealings and his subsequent legal troubles have made him a polarizing figure. While his willingness to publicly seek a pardon underscores his desperation, it also places him at the center of a politically charged debate over clemency and fairness.
As of now, the Biden-Harris administration has not responded to Cohen’s application for a pardon. Whether his appeal ultimately succeeds remains uncertain, but the controversy surrounding his remarks ensures that his case will remain part of the ongoing discourse on presidential pardons and political accountability.
Cohen’s plea, though contentious, highlights a larger issue: the delicate balance between justice, fairness, and the political optics of presidential clemency. For now, Cohen must wait to see whether his appeal will find favor with the administration—or whether his public plea has done more harm than good.

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