In the ongoing criminal trial known as New York v. Trump, former Trump campaign and White House communications director Hope Hicks has testified, providing insights into the role of Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer. Hicks’ testimony has painted a negative picture of Cohen, alleging that he frequently obstructed campaign staff and engaged in counterproductive behavior.
Hicks described Cohen as an individual who often claimed to be a “Mr. Fix It,” but only after having caused problems in the first place. Cohen is a central figure in the case, as he is expected to be the star witness for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Bragg’s case alleges that the former president falsified business records related to payments made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, in an attempt to silence her claims of an illicit affair with Trump in the early 2000s.
Hicks’ testimony shed light on Cohen’s actions, claiming that he arranged and made a $130,000 payment to Daniels, which was then reimbursed by Trump under the guise of legal expenses. However, the prosecution contends that these payments were reimbursements for Daniels’ silence regarding the alleged affair.
During the trial, Hicks also discussed Trump’s reaction to the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape, which captured Trump making crude comments about women in 2005. Hicks testified that Trump’s primary concern after the tape’s release was its potential impact on his wife, Melania Trump. Hicks stated that Trump was concerned about how the tape would be perceived within his household and valued his wife’s opinion.
The prosecution has repeatedly attempted to introduce the “Access Hollywood” tape as evidence, arguing that it is relevant to Trump’s intent and motive in making the Stormy Daniels payoff and subsequent attempts to conceal it. However, Judge Juan Merchan has repeatedly ruled that the video is inadmissible and too prejudicial to be shown in court, although references to its transcript are permitted.
Hicks’ testimony adds to the body of evidence being presented in the New York v. Trump trial. Her insights into Cohen’s actions and Trump’s response to the “Access Hollywood” tape provide valuable information for the jury as they deliberate on the charges against the former president.
