Key Moments as Hope Hicks Testifies in Trump’s Trial

In a Manhattan courtroom, Hope Hicks, former spokeswoman for Donald J. Trump, took the stand, providing pivotal insights into her interactions with Trump during his campaign and presidency. Here are five key takeaways from her testimony:

1. Impact of the “Access Hollywood” Tape:

Hicks recounted the intense fallout from the release of the infamous tape, where Trump made derogatory comments about women. The tape, which surfaced in October 2016, prompted a strategy of damage control within the campaign.

2. Denial Strategy:

Facing allegations from Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels, Hicks described a “deny, deny, deny” approach, consulting with Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, to refute the claims. Despite mounting evidence, the campaign maintained a stance of denial.

3. Election Pressures:

Testimony highlighted the election pressures faced by the campaign, with negotiations for hush-money payments to Daniels and McDougal dominating discussions in the closing months of the 2016 campaign.

4. Trump’s Public Denials:

Prosecutors presented video evidence of Trump’s denials of sexual assault allegations, as well as his attacks on accusers during the campaign. Trump’s public statements were a focal point of the trial.

5. Legal Battles and Gag Order:

The trial also addressed legal battles outside the courtroom, including Trump’s fines for violating a gag order prohibiting attacks on trial participants. The judge’s ruling on these matters is pending.

Hicks’ testimony provided a glimpse into the inner workings of Trump’s campaign and presidency, shedding light on strategies employed to navigate scandals. As the trial progresses, further revelations are anticipated, shaping the trajectory of the case against Trump.