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PBS News Hour

Cohn's influence on politics traced in 'American Scoundrel'

Season 2026 Episode 185 | 6m 39s

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.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
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