Hope Hicks testifies that former Trump aide instructed her to deny Stormy Daniels affair

Former top aide to Donald Trump, Hope Hicks, testified in court about Trump’s efforts to deny a sexual relationship with porn star Stormy Daniels during the final days of the 2016 presidential election. Hicks revealed that Trump wanted to ensure there was a denial of any relationship with Daniels, as well as former Playboy model Karen McDougal, to protect his image and marriage.

The trial revolves around charges of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment made to Daniels, who threatened to go public with her story of a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Prosecutors argue that the payment corrupted the election by suppressing news that could have influenced voters.

Hicks’ emotional testimony shed light on Trump’s concerns about the impact of the allegations on his wife Melania and the campaign’s efforts to control the narrative. Trump’s lawyers are using Hicks’ testimony to argue that the payment to Daniels was made to protect his personal life, not to influence voters.

The trial, which is the first criminal case against a former U.S. president, has drawn attention for its salacious details and potential impact on Trump’s political future. Despite Trump’s claims that the case is a Democratic ploy to undermine his chances in the upcoming presidential election, the outcome could have significant consequences for his campaign.