Former top aide to Donald Trump, Hope Hicks, testified on Friday regarding Trump’s instructions to deny a sexual relationship with porn star Stormy Daniels during the final days of the 2016 presidential election.
Hicks’ testimony provided insight into the campaign’s efforts to manage the fallout from various accusations of Trump’s sexual behavior as the election neared its end.
Trump faces charges of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment made to Daniels, who threatened to reveal her 2006 encounter with Trump.
Hicks revealed that Trump, four days before the November 8 election, sought to ensure denial of any relationship with Daniels, expressing concern about his wife Melania’s reaction.
He instructed Hicks to prevent newspapers containing the story from reaching their residence that morning.
Prosecutors argue that the payment to Daniels corrupted the election by suppressing potentially influential news.
They claim Trump’s falsification of records to cover up election and tax law violations could elevate his charges from misdemeanors to felonies, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to four years.
Hicks’ testimony could support Trump’s defense that the payment aimed to shield his family from scandal rather than sway voters.
She stated Trump portrayed his lawyer Michael Cohen’s payment to Daniels as an act of personal kindness, a portrayal she found inconsistent with Cohen’s character.
During her testimony, Hicks briefly became emotional.
Trump, a current presidential candidate, maintained a composed demeanor throughout her testimony, which marked the first appearance of a former campaign staffer in the ongoing trial.
Hicks recounted the campaign’s response to the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape, where Trump made lewd comments about women, describing Trump’s reaction as disappointment but downplaying the significance as “locker-room talk.”
The trial’s jurors and alternates have yet to hear from key figures such as Daniels and Cohen.
Despite a gag order prohibiting him from commenting on the trial, Trump expressed his willingness to testify, prompting a warning from the judge and a fine for previous violations.
While the trial involves salacious allegations, it is perceived as less significant than other criminal cases Trump faces.
Nonetheless, a guilty verdict could impact his presidential aspirations, according to polling data.