A Republican congressman on Wednesday sent a letter to former Trump fixer Michael Cohen demanding to know if Democrats coached him before his bombshell testimony before a House panel last month.
During Cohen’s testimony before the House Oversight Committee, he admitted speaking with top Democrats Reps. Elijah Cummings, Maryland, and Adam Schiff, California, before his appearance.
He told lawmakers he had spoken with Mr. Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, and “his people,” but added that he only consulted with his lawyers in preparation for the hearing.
However, Rep. Mike Turner, Ohio Republican, is demanding more information about those interactions. He asked Cohen to detail his contacts with Mr. Schiff and other Democrats, including the date and time, which committee was involved and whether the contact was directly through the lawmakers or with their staff.
“The answers to these questions are important for the public to understand whether or not they were watching witness testimony, a public hearing or a well-rehearsed theater,” Mr. Turner said in the letter. “Obviously the Senate would be very shocked to hear if the answers to these questions acknowledge extensive meetings, discussions, preparation, and/or coordination between you and Democratic Members and Democratic staff at the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Patrick Boland, a spokesman for Mr. Schiff, said it is “completely appropriate” to meet with witnesses ahead of testimony to determine any relevant topics.
“Despite this professed outrage by Republicans, it’s completely appropriate to conduct proffer sessions and allow witnesses to review their prior testimony before the Committee interviews them — such sessions are a routine part of every serious investigation around the country, including congressional investigations,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Turner’s letter comes on the same day Cohen is making his second appearance before Mr. Schiff and the House Intelligence Committee.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.