Hope Hicks Expected to Testify in New York Hush Money Trial

In a significant legal development, former communications director and press secretary for Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, Hope Hicks, is expected to be called as a witness in the New York hush money trial, commencing on April 15. This comes following her testimony before the New York grand jury investigating Trump's payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels and before the House Jan. 6 select committee.

Key Players

• Hope Hicks: Former communications director and press secretary for Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign
• Michael Cohen: Former Trump lawyer
• Stormy Daniels: Adult film star
• Karen McDougal: Former Playboy model
• David Pecker: Former American Media, Inc. CEO
• Alvin Bragg: Manhattan District Attorney

According to a source, Bragg will call Hicks as a prosecution witness in the trial. Last year, Hicks testified before the New York grand jury, which led to the indictment of Trump on charges of breaking campaign finance and tax laws related to the payment to Daniels in 2016 to conceal an alleged extramarital affair.

Cohen alleges that Hicks was involved in a phone call on Oct. 8, 2016, during which Daniels informed Trump about her intention to publicize the affair through the National Enquirer. Additionally, Cohen claims that Hicks was present during a call to finalize the $130,000 payment from Trump to Daniels for her silence.

Hicks ascended to the role of a top White House adviser following Trump's victory in the 2016 election but resigned in 2018. She also testified before the House Jan. 6 select committee, affirming that there was insufficient evidence to support Trump's allegations of a "rigged" 2020 presidential election.

In further developments, former American Media, Inc. CEO David Pecker, who allegedly orchestrated a "catch or kill" agreement to suppress McDougal's account of an alleged extramarital affair with Trump, is also expected to testify alongside McDougal in the upcoming trial.

Despite being a longstanding and trusted member of Trump’s inner circle, Hicks' cooperation with investigations into the former president’s conduct is noteworthy. Bragg's decision to call her as a witness underscores the belief that her testimony will strengthen the prosecution's case.