Former Trump aide Hope Hicks testified in court that Donald Trump instructed her to deny allegations of an affair with Stormy Daniels in the final days of the 2016 presidential election.
Hicks’ testimony provided an insider’s perspective on the Trump campaign’s damage control efforts amid multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against Trump during the election.
She recounted a conversation with Trump four days before the election, in which he asked her to ensure that any reports of a relationship with Daniels were denied.
Hicks, who served as the campaign’s press secretary, said she was surprised by Trump’s entry into politics and initially thought he was joking when he offered her the position.
The campaign was rocked by the release of an “Access Hollywood” tape in which Trump made lewd comments about women. Hicks said Trump was upset, but downplayed the significance of the remarks.
Jurors also heard evidence of the campaign’s attempts to craft a denial when the Wall Street Journal inquired about an alleged affair with former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Hicks said she discussed contacting Rupert Murdoch, then-chairman of News Corp, the Journal’s parent company, to buy time for a response. Trump ultimately wrote his own statement, she said.
The defense argued that the payment to Daniels was intended to spare Trump’s family embarrassment, not to influence the election. However, prosecutors maintained that the payment violated election and tax laws.
The trial, which is still ongoing, has featured testimony from key figures involved in the alleged hush money payment, including Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen.
A guilty verdict could potentially damage Trump’s presidential bid in the upcoming November election. However, it is seen as less consequential than other criminal prosecutions he faces, including charges related to the Capitol riot and mishandling classified documents.
Trump has denied all charges against him.
