Hope Hicks, a former Trump campaign aide, took the stand

 

Hope Hicks, a former Trump campaign aide, took the stand, appearing visibly uncomfortable as she began testifying. She acknowledged her nervousness, adjusting the microphone and her position in the witness box.

Throughout her testimony, Hicks focused on her role in the Trump campaign during the October 2016 crisis sparked by the "Access Hollywood" tape. She described the tape's release as "damaging" and a "crisis" for the campaign.

Prosecutors questioned Hicks about the campaign's response to the Wall Street Journal's report on Karen McDougal's $150,000 agreement with American Media, Inc. to keep quiet about an alleged affair with Trump. The report also mentioned Stormy Daniels, and Hicks, then a campaign spokesperson, denied Trump had affairs with either woman.

Hicks testified that her denial was based on what she was told by Trump and Michael Cohen. When asked about her conversations with Trump and Cohen, Hicks stated, "What I told the Wall Street Journal is what was told to me." This statement suggests that Hicks was repeating the information she was given by Trump and Cohen, rather than having personal knowledge of the affairs.

During cross-examination, Trump's attorney, Emil Bove, highlighted Trump's concern about his family's reaction, particularly his wife. Trump requested that newspapers not be delivered to his residence the day the story published, Hicks testified. She explained that Trump wanted to protect his family from hurt and embarrassment, wanting them to be proud of him.

Hicks' testimony provided insight into the Trump campaign's damage control efforts during the 2016 presidential election. Her nervous demeanor and avoidance of eye contact with Trump and his legal team suggested discomfort with her role in the events. The prosecution's focus on Hicks' testimony aimed to establish Trump's knowledge and involvement in the hush money payments and potentially connect this incident to the broader pattern of his alleged misconduct.

The fact that Trump was concerned about his wife's reaction and wanted to shield his family from the negative publicity suggests that he was aware of the potential damage the allegations could cause. This awareness, combined with Hicks' testimony about the campaign's response to the Wall Street Journal report, may be used by the prosecution to build a case against Trump for falsifying business records related to the hush money payments.