Hope Hicks, a trusted aide in Donald Trump’s inner circle, is testifying in the New York hush money trial after being subpoenaed. Hicks, who was Trump’s press secretary during the campaign, could provide insight into the events leading up to the 2016 election, including the payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to remain quiet about an alleged affair with Trump. Trump allegedly reimbursed Cohen after taking office and has since been charged with falsifying business records to hide the nature of these payments. Hicks has a long history with Trump and has previously faced scrutiny for her testimony and relationship with former staffer Rob Porter.
Hicks, who was one of the longest-lasting aides in Trump’s White House, has been known for her loyalty to Trump, often defending him amid controversies. During her testimony in 2018 before the House Intelligence Committee, Hicks admitted to occasionally telling white lies on Trump’s behalf. She left the White House for a position at Fox News after facing scrutiny over her relationship with Porter and her testimony. Hicks returned to the White House in 2020 but received pushback for not believing the election had been stolen, according to multiple books about the Trump White House’s final months.
In October 2022, Hicks testified before the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. In her testimony, she shared concerns about damaging Trump’s legacy and his focus on winning at all costs. Hicks has since been running a consulting shop doing communications for various global clients. The present case against Trump involves allegations of falsifying company records to hide a payment made to Stormy Daniels to influence the election. Cohen has previously testified that Trump directed him to make the payments. However, Trump maintains he has no knowledge of any payments to Daniels.
Federal search warrants revealed a scramble within the Trump campaign to suppress allegations after the “Access Hollywood” tape surfaced in 2016. Hicks was involved in phone calls with Cohen and AMI executives regarding the allegations. Hicks claimed she first learned of the Daniels allegations in November, one month after the calls. Prosecutors have not accused Hicks of taking part in Trump’s alleged scheme. Hicks testified before the House Judiciary Committee that she was not present during discussions between Trump and Cohen about Daniels and had no additional information beyond what she learned from reporters.
After unsealed evidence contradicted Hicks’ testimony, Rep. Jerry Nadler asked her to clarify her statements before the House Judiciary Committee. Hicks and her attorneys maintain that her October 8 calls with Cohen were not related to payments to Stormy Daniels and that the calls were not about hush money agreements. The material in the affidavit did not provide information about the contents of the calls, only the chronology of the calls. Hicks has stood by her testimony and denied any involvement in Trump’s alleged scheme to influence the election. Despite the ongoing legal challenges and investigations, Hicks continues her work in communications for various global clients.
