Hicks Gives Testimony at Trump’s Trial
TL/DR –
Hope Hicks, former aide to ex-President Donald Trump, has been called to testify in his New York criminal trial. Her testimony is expected to provide insight into various events related to the trial, including an alleged plan to buy rights to damaging stories about Trump. Earlier testimonies have implicated Hicks in a meeting that marked the origin of a strategy to suppress negative stories about Trump, and prosecutors have presented evidence of her communication regarding a payment to Playboy model Karen McDougal, who was paid to keep quiet about her account of an encounter with Trump.
Hope Hicks to Testify at Trump’s Criminal Trial in New York
Hope Hicks, a significant aide to former President Donald Trump, is called to testify in Trump’s New York criminal trial. Hicks, who was Trump’s top press aide and served as the White House communications director, will be grilled on her understanding of key events connected to the trial, including an alleged scheme to buy potentially harmful stories’ rights.
Hicks’ Involvement and Previous Testimony
Earlier testimony exposed Hicks’ presence at a 2015 Trump Tower meeting. This meeting, attended by Trump, Michael Cohen, Trump’s attorney, and David Pecker, former National Enquirer publisher, is believed to have marked the inception of the ‘catch and kill’ strategy to stifle negative stories about Trump.
Evidence Provided in the Trial
Prosecutors presented evidence in the trial, including an email to Hicks from a National Enquirer editor about a 2008 Trump article and a series of 2016 texts between Hicks and Cohen. These texts are centered around a Wall Street Journal story regarding a payment to Playboy model Karen McDougal from the Enquirer’s parent company, in exchange for her narrative’s rights.
The Infamous “Access Hollywood” tape
Hicks also witnessed the release of the notorious “Access Hollywood” tape, where Trump made derogatory remarks about women. This tape significantly influenced the decision to pay Stormy Daniels, who was prepared to disclose an alleged sexual encounter with Trump. Cohen reportedly paid Daniels $130,000 for her silence.
Hicks’ Testimony in Court
Hicks began her testimony by recounting her history of working for Trump, starting in 2014. She highlighted Trump’s diligent nature and assertive leadership style, his active involvement in the campaign’s press strategy, and his relationships within the organization. Hicks also discussed her initial interactions with David Pecker and details about Trump’s political aspirations, which became noticeable in January 2015.
Hicks and the Payments to McDougal and Daniels
On Nov. 4, 2016, Hicks learned about the payments to McDougal and Daniels after a Wall Street Journal reporter’s inquiry. Hicks consulted Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, who maintained a close relationship with the Journal’s owner, Rupert Murdoch. Hicks also consulted with Cohen and Pecker regarding their statement to the Journal, which resulted in denying the accusations.
Alleged Encounter with Daniels
Daniels, whose name Hicks heard in November 2015, claimed in a 2018 “60 Minutes” segment that she had an alleged sexual encounter with Trump at a celebrity golf tournament in Nevada in 2006. The encounter has been denied by Trump.
—
Read More US Political News