Democrats Claim Novartis Downplayed Relationship With Trump Lawyer

A new report from four Democratic senators claims contacts between Novartis and President Trump’s former personal attorney and Novartis were more extensive than previously disclosed.

In the report, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) conclude the arrangement between the drugmaker and Michael Cohen, then President Trump’s personal attorney, was longer and more detailed than indicated in initial reports.

In May, Novartis confirmed that it paid more than $1 million into the same shell company that was the source of the funds Cohen paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels, but insisted that other than signing a 12-month agreement, it met with Cohen once, determined he would not be able to provide the services they sought and elected not to engage with him further.

However, the report claims, documents provided by the drugmaker indicate Cohen and then-CEO Joe Jimenez frequently communicated over the next six months, including at least four phone calls and multiple emails relating to the White House’s drug pricing proposals and opioid-related litigation.