Liberty University: IT Director Hired by Michael Cohen to Rig Polls Is an ‘Outstanding’ Employee

Liberty University came to the defense of its chief information officer after The Wall Street Journal reported that Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, had paid him to rig polling data in favor of the president. “John Gauger is one example among many outstanding LU employees who have made great contributions in their official roles and enjoyed success as independent entrepreneurs,” the university wrote in a statement. According to the newspaper, Jerry Falwell Jr.—the school’s president—is a known Trump supporter. Gauger, who worked at the school but also ran a firm called RedFinch Solutions, was hired by Cohen to “rig” a CNBC and Drudge Report poll in 2014 and 2015 for $50,o00. Gauger told the newspaper that he was never paid in full. Cohen also reportedly asked Gauger to create a @WomenForCohen Twitter account praising him as a “sex symbol.” Cohen later confirmed the Journal report, telling CNN that he hired Gauger to rig the polls “at the direction and for the sole benefit of Donald J. Trump.”