Cohen says he would have liked to have been considered White House chief of staff for 'ego purposes'

Michael Cohen departs from his home to attend his second day of testimony at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 14, 2024 in New York City. (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen said Thursday in court that he would have liked to have been considered to fill the role of chief of staff during former President Donald Trump's tenure in the White House for "ego purposes."

Cohen's comment on the matter came during questioning from Trump lawyer Todd Blanche following a brief break.

Blanche then directed Cohen's attention to past remarks he made to Congress, in which he said he didn’t want to work in the White House.

Asked if he remembered making those remarks, Cohen agreed.

Cohen, who testified Thursday that he was offered a role in the White House, said he didn’t want to go to the White House and wanted to serve at Trump’s personal attorney.

When asked if he wanted to work in the White house, Cohen responded, “No sir.”

Blanche asked Cohen if the truth is that he really wanted to work in the White House. Cohen responded, "No sir."

Blanche then asked Cohen if he had hoped to be named the White House chief of staff, to which he denied.

Blanche then outlined several conversations Cohen had with other individuals, including his daughter, about the possibility of serving as chief of staff under Trump.

Cohen, who testified that he spoke with Trump about serving as his personal attorney, said he wanted a hybrid position, one with access to Trump but not considered a White House employee.