Hope Hicks, a former close confidante and trusted aide of Donald Trump, is expected to testify at his criminal trial in relation to hush money payments, according to a source familiar with the case. While final decisions on witnesses are dependent on the trial, Hicks is one of several individuals from Trump’s inner circle expected to take the stand, including Michael Cohen and others who worked on his presidential campaign. The Manhattan district attorney’s office has not provided any comments on this matter, and Hicks herself has not responded to requests for comment.
Hicks previously appeared before a grand jury in 2021 before Trump was indicted, alongside Kellyanne Conway. As Trump’s press secretary during the campaign, Hicks may offer insight into the events that took place within the political operation in the final weeks before the 2016 election. This includes details about Cohen’s payments to Stormy Daniels to prevent her from disclosing an alleged affair with Trump, with Cohen later being reimbursed by the president. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include falsifying business records in relation to the payments.
Federal search warrants released in 2019 revealed a rush within the Trump campaign to suppress additional allegations of a sexual nature following the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape in 2016. Hicks was involved in phone calls with Cohen, Trump, and American Media Inc. executives, believed to be related to Daniels. During her testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, Hicks denied having any knowledge of discussions between Trump and Cohen regarding Daniels, stating that her information was based on what she learned from reporters.
The confirmation that Hicks is expected to be a witness at the trial comes as the judge overseeing the case expanded a gag order to include family members of the court and the Manhattan district attorney, following comments made by Trump against the judge’s daughter. Judge Juan Merchan expressed concerns about the impact of Trump’s remarks on the fair administration of justice and the rule of law. Despite the escalating tensions, the trial is set to proceed with Hicks and other key witnesses from Trump’s inner circle anticipated to testify.
The ongoing case highlights the complex relationships and legal entanglements surrounding Trump, his associates, and the hush money payments made during his presidency. The involvement of individuals like Hicks, who once held influential roles within the campaign and White House, sheds light on the inner workings and decision-making processes of the former president’s administration. As the trial unfolds, more details may emerge regarding the events leading up to the payments to Daniels and the efforts to keep allegations from becoming public.
In the midst of political and legal turmoil, the looming trial serves as a significant moment in Trump’s post-presidential life, with implications not only for him but also for those connected to the case. The actions and testimonies of key witnesses, such as Hicks, could have far-reaching consequences for the former president and may provide valuable insights into the events that transpired during his time in office. As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom as the case unfolds and the truth behind the hush money payments comes to light.
