AT&T confirmed it hired President Donald Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen to advise the company on its proposed merger with Time Warner.
Internal documents obtained by multiple outlets show the company paid Cohen's firm $600,000 in 2017. AT&T reportedly retained Cohen three days after Trump was sworn in. The company sought "insights into understanding" the new administration.
An AT&T spokesperson told CNN that Cohen also advised the company on Federal Communications Commission regulation, including net neutrality rules and tax reform.
Cohen's dealings with a few corporate clients — including AT&T — were first revealed earlier this week. The companies reportedly asked for his help navigating issues ranging from health-care policy to accounting practices.
Investigators working with special counsel Robert Mueller spoke with AT&T and another company over payments made to Cohen.
As for AT&T, the FCC says Cohen never inquired about net neutrality issues. And CNN reports he never contacted the Justice Department about antitrust issues related to the Time Warner merger.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
