Former White House official and longtime Trump adviser Hope Hicks testified at Donald Trump’s hush money trial in Manhattan. Hicks revealed that Trump was deeply concerned about the impact of the “Access Hollywood” tape, where he was heard bragging about grabbing women without their consent, on his 2016 presidential campaign. The tape’s release just days before a crucial debate with Hillary Clinton caused chaos in the Trump camp. Hicks testified that Trump wanted to deny the story and avoid a damaging news cycle that could hurt his campaign.
Manhattan prosecutors hope Hicks’ testimony will strengthen their argument that Trump’s attorney paid off Stormy Daniels to bury her story and influence the 2016 election. Hicks also indicated that Trump initially did not know about the payment, but later believed it was necessary to prevent the story from coming out before the election. The trial has also highlighted Trump’s concerns about his personal life impacting his family and campaign.
The trial, which could last another month, is focused on Trump’s alleged falsification of internal business records. Prosecutors are building their case with detailed evidence and plan to call important witnesses, including Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels. Trump’s attorney successfully blocked prosecutors from questioning him about violating a gag order in the case. The trial will resume with more key testimonies next week.
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