During the 11th day of the criminal trial in the case N.Y. v. Trump, former Trump campaign and White House communications director, Hope Hicks, testified that Michael Cohen, Trump’s ex-lawyer, would often frustrate campaign staff and do things that were not helpful. Hicks claimed that Cohen used to call himself Mr. Fix It, but only because he first broke whatever needed fixing. Cohen is a central player and is expected to be the star witness for Manhattan District Attorney Bragg’s case against Trump for falsifying business records related to a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to silence her claims of an affair with Trump. Cohen arranged and made the $130,000 payment to Daniels, who was paid by Trump for what were listed as legal expenses, but were actually reimbursement for the payments to Daniels.
Trump has denied the affair and pleaded not guilty to the 34 criminal counts. The prosecution, led by former Justice Department official Michael Colangelo, questioned Hicks about Trump’s reaction to the “Access Hollywood” tape, which captured Trump making crude comments about women with a television host just before the 2016 presidential election. The prosecution has pushed for the tape to be played for the jury, but Judge Juan Merchan has ruled it as inadmissible, citing its prejudicial nature. The prosecution argues that the tape is crucial to understanding Trump’s intent and motive surrounding the Stormy Daniels payoff. They claim that the release of the tape caused panic within the campaign, leading to the payoff.
Hicks testified that following the leak of the “Access Hollywood” tape, Trump’s main concern was the impact on his wife, Melania Trump. She claimed that Trump valued his wife’s opinion and did not want anything to embarrass the family during the campaign. Hicks stated that Trump asked for newspapers about the leaked tape not to be brought to the Trump residence. During the cross-examination, Hicks revealed that Trump wanted his family to be proud of him and did not want them to be hurt or embarrassed by anything related to the campaign. This sheds light on Trump’s personal concerns and priorities during a difficult time in his political career.
Despite denying any White House ambitions during house testimony, witnesses have claimed that Cohen had aspirations for a job in the White House. Cohen had previously served as Trump’s lawyer and was known for his role in the Stormy Daniels payment scandal. Hicks testified that Cohen’s actions often caused frustration among the campaign staff. Cohen’s involvement in the case as a star witness highlights the significance of his testimony in proving Trump’s guilt. His role in arranging the payment to Daniels has been central to the prosecution’s case against Trump for financial crimes related to the payoff.
As the trial continues, it is evident that the prosecution is focusing on Trump’s actions and intentions surrounding the Stormy Daniels payoff and how they were influenced by external events such as the “Access Hollywood” tape. Hicks’ testimony provides insight into Trump’s personal concerns and priorities during the campaign. The legal battle between Trump and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office is likely to continue as both sides present their evidence and arguments. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for Trump’s political future and personal reputation.
