Who is former Trump adviser Hope Hicks to testify in New York criminal trial?
NEW YORK – Hope Hicks, a former White House adviser and communications director during the Trump administration, is scheduled to testify next in former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial. Hicks’ testimony is expected to shed light on her knowledge of a deal between Trump and the National Enquirer tabloid to suppress damaging stories that could affect his 2016 presidential campaign.
Who is Hope Hicks?
Hicks has been associated with Trump since 2014, initially working for the Trump Organization and later joining his 2015 presidential campaign as press secretary. He then served in various roles within the administration, including director of strategic communications and communications before stepping down in 2018. Hicks briefly worked for Fox Corporation before returning to the White House in 2020 as an aide to Jared Kushner and an adviser to Trump.
Hicks’ role in the prosecution case:
Hicks’ testimony is expected to provide insight into her interactions with the Trump family and their involvement in key events during the campaign. Prosecutors will likely question him about his knowledge of a deal between Trump, his lawyer Michael Cohen, and the leadership of the National Enquirer to suppress damaging stories. Additionally, Hicks may be asked about Trump’s alleged relationships with Karen McDougall and Stormy Daniels, as well as his response to media inquiries about his time in the White House.
Previous testimonies and allegations:
Previous witnesses, including former National Enquirer CEO David Packer, have implicated Hicks in early negotiations regarding a deal to help Trump’s campaign. The charges show that Hicks was present during the meetings where arrangements were made. Prosecutors have highlighted the urgency of pressing Trump’s infidelity allegations ahead of the 2016 election, citing the potential damage to his campaign.
The witnesses heard so far:
The jury heard testimony from eight witnesses, including David Packer, Keith Davidson, Rona Graf, Gary Farrow, Robert Browning, Philip Thompson, Doug Dawes and Georgia Longstreet. Their testimony has provided insight into various aspects of the case, including negotiations regarding payments to McDougal and Daniels, corroboration of evidence, and Trump’s social media activity.
Legal Proceedings and Defenses:
Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying New York business records to conceal damaging information during the 2016 presidential election. He has pleaded not guilty, saying the case constitutes “election interference” because it interferes with his 2024 presidential bid. The defense claims the payments were legitimate legal expenses and denies any wrongdoing on Trump’s part.
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What are the allegations against Donald Trummp in this trial?
Trump faces 34 felony counts alleging falsification of New York business records to conceal damaging information during the 2016 presidential election. The charges stem from his involvement in a deal to suppress potentially harmful stories about him.
What is the significance of the deal brokered with the National Enquirer?
The deal, known as “catch and kill,” involved the tabloid acquiring rights to damaging stories about Trummp and then burying them to prevent their publication. Prosecutors allege that this arrangement constituted illegal activity aimed at influencing the election.
Who else has testified in the trial so far?
Prior witnesses include David Pecker (former CEO of American Media Inc.), Keith Davidson (former lawyer for individuals involved in the deals), Rhona Graff (former executive assistant at the Trummp Organization), and others. Their testimonies provided insights into the negotiations and transactions surrounding the suppression of stories.
What is the defense’s argument in Trummp’s case?
Trummp’s defense contends that the payments made as part of the deal were legitimate legal expenses and denies any wrongdoing. They argue that the trial itself constitutes “election interference” as it disrupts Trump’s potential future political aspirations.
