Hope Hicks, a former aide to Trump, became emotional on the stand on Friday while the defense team was about to cross-examine her. Her tears followed her testimony where she stated that it would be unlikely for Michael Cohen to have paid $130,000 in hush money to an adult film star without expecting repayment.
Hicks, a key figure in Trump’s communication strategy during the 2016 campaign and his presidency, expressed her apprehension about testifying in the Manhattan hush money case. While acknowledging Trump’s strong work ethic, she provided valuable information to the prosecution. Hicks revealed that she overheard conversations between Trump and Cohen discussing the hush payment to Stormy Daniels after its existence was made public by the Wall Street Journal in 2018.
Inside the courtroom where Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, Kate Christobek of The New York Times observed that the former president didn’t pay much attention to Hicks as she spoke. However, things took a turn when defense counsel Emil Bove was about to inquire about her tenure at the Trump Organization. At that moment, Hicks became visibly emotional, and Trump’s gaze suddenly fixated on her as tears welled up in her eyes.
CNN reported that Hicks was visibly emotional during the proceedings, with audible sniffling and tears. This caused a momentary pause in the proceedings, and both Hicks and the jury had to leave the room. As she left, Hicks brushed her hair to one side of her neck, lowered her head, and slightly quickened her pace as she passed by Trump.
During the incident, Hicks countered the defense team’s claim that Cohen acted independently when he made the payment to Daniels. She pointed out that this occurred during a period of turmoil for the Trump campaign, triggered by the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape. In this tape, the Republican candidate made boastful remarks about sexually assaulting women.
According to Hicks’ testimony, Cohen would not have voluntarily paid Daniels.
According to NBC News, Hicks expressed his disbelief by stating that it would be unlike Michael to engage in such a selfless act. He described Michael as someone who is not particularly known for his charitable nature and tends to seek recognition for his actions.
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