Former White Home aide Hope Hicks turned emotional throughout her testimony on Friday in former President Donald Trump’s hush-money trial. Hicks, who served as Trump’s marketing campaign spokesperson and shut confidante, testified about her experiences working with him and the occasions surrounding damaging revelations, together with the Entry Hollywood tape and allegations of affairs.
Hicks recounted her response upon studying in regards to the Entry Hollywood tape, describing it as a “large story.” She testified about her preliminary response to a reporter’s inquiry relating to the tape and the next assembly with marketing campaign staffers, throughout which they shared the information with Trump. Based on Hicks, Trump denied the authenticity of the tape, expressing concern about its influence on the marketing campaign.
Along with the Entry Hollywood tape, Hicks mentioned Trump’s response to allegations of affairs with Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels. She testified that Trump was involved in regards to the Wall Avenue Journal story and instructed her to make sure that newspapers weren’t delivered to his residence. Hicks additionally exchanged messages with Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen relating to the story’s traction within the media.
All through her testimony, Hicks spoke positively about Trump however reserved criticism for Cohen, describing his makes an attempt to insert himself into the marketing campaign. She additionally mentioned interactions between Trump and David Pecker, the previous writer of the Nationwide Enquirer, together with a cellphone name the place Trump praised a narrative about political opponent Dr. Ben Carson.
The trial has garnered consideration for Trump’s violations of a gag order, leading to a $9,000 superb. Trump paid the superb earlier than the deadline on Friday, closing one other chapter within the ongoing authorized saga surrounding the hush-money funds.
Hicks’ testimony offers perception into the interior workings of the Trump marketing campaign and administration, shedding mild on pivotal moments and relationships throughout a tumultuous interval in American politics.
