Hope Hicks Testifies Trump Ordered Her to Deny Stormy Daniels Affair

In a significant development in Donald Trump's hush money trial, his former aide Hope Hicks testified on Friday that the former president instructed her to deny his alleged sexual relationship with adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016, amid his presidential campaign. Trump faces charges of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment made to Daniels.

Why this matters: This trial has far-reaching implications for the integrity of the US electoral process, as it raises questions about the use of hush money to influence the outcome of elections. A guilty verdict could have significant consequences for Trump's political future and the accountability of politicians in general.

Hicks, who served as Trump's press secretary during the 2016 campaign and later as White House communications director, revealed that when a Wall Street Journal reporter told her Daniels would be mentioned in a forthcoming story, she informed Trump. "He wanted to know the context, and he wanted to make sure that there was a denial of any kind of relationship," Hicks testified.

According to Hicks, Trump wanted her to draft a response to the story, which was eventually published on November 4, 2016. She sent four draft responses to Trump's then-attorney Michael Cohen, who replied with a statement calling the accusations "completely untrue and just the latest despicable attempt by the liberal media and the Clinton machine to distract the public from the FBI's ongoing criminal investigation into Secretary Clinton and her closest associates."

Hicks also described a call with David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, who explained a deal involving another woman, Karen McDougal. Pecker told Hicks that McDougal was paid for magazine covers and fitness columns, which he characterized as a legitimate contract.

The trial, now in its 11th day, marks the first time a former U.S. president has faced criminal charges. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to the hush money payments, which he allegedly tried to disguise as legal fees to Cohen. Prosecutors argue the payments were part of an unlawful attempt to influence the 2016 presidential election.

CNN analysts weighed inon Hicks' testimony, noting her strength as a witness due to her close relationship with Trump during the campaign. Some observed that her apparent nervousness on the stand could make her more relatable to the jury. "I'm really nervous,"Hicks said while looking at the jury.

As the trial continues, Trump faces mounting legal challenges while running for reelection in 2024. In addition to the New York case, he is under investigation in Georgia for alleged interference in the 2020 election and faces potential charges in Washington, D.C. related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The outcome of the hush money trial could have significant implications for Trump's political future and the integrity of the U.S. electoral process.

Key Takeaways

• Hope Hicks testified that Trump instructed her to deny his alleged affair with Stormy Daniels in 2016.
• Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to Daniels.
• The trial raises questions about the use of hush money to influence election outcomes.
• A guilty verdict could impact Trump's political future and accountability of politicians.
• The trial marks the first time a former US president has faced criminal charges.