Hope Hicks, a former top aide to Donald Trump, testified that in the final days of the 2016 presidential election, Trump instructed her to deny any sexual relationship with porn star Stormy Daniels. Hope Hicks’ testimony sheds light on the campaign’s efforts to manage the fallout from allegations of Trump’s sexual behavior as the election approached its conclusion.
Trump, who faces charges of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Daniels, vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Hope Hicks stated that four days before the November 8, 2016, election, Trump was concerned about an impending Wall Street Journal article detailing Daniels’ story and wanted to ensure there was a denial of any relationship.
This was motivated by Trump’s desire to shield his wife Melania from the allegations, which also included claims of an affair with former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
The prosecution argues that the payment to Daniels influenced the election by suppressing damaging news, potentially swaying voters. They allege Trump’s actions constitute felony violations of election and tax laws, carrying a maximum prison sentence of four years.
Hope Hicks’ testimony could aid Trump’s defense, suggesting that the payment aimed to protect his family rather than manipulate voters. Throughout the trial, Trump maintained a stoic demeanor, while Hicks, the first campaign staffer to testify, recounted her initial disbelief at Trump’s entry into politics and his request for her to join the campaign.
Hope Hicks also revealed the campaign’s response to the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape, where Trump made lewd remarks about women. While Trump was upset, he dismissed the comments as “locker-room talk,” prompting efforts to craft denials in response to media inquiries.
Despite the sensational nature of the trial, which involves allegations of adultery and clandestine payments, it is viewed as less significant than other legal challenges Trump faces. These include attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandling classified information post-presidency, all of which Trump denies.
In the courtroom, the judge addressed Trump’s public comments about the case, emphasizing his right to testify while warning against further violations of the gag order. Trump, who perceives the trial as a political attack, faces potential fines and even imprisonment if he continues to flout the court’s directives.
