Former Donald Trump aide Hope Hicks “broke down” in court on Friday, causing a brief recess during Trump’s hush money trial in Manhattan, according to reporters present at the trial.
Hicks, called to testify by the prosecution, detailed her long-standing relationship with Trump, from his campaign to his presidency. She revealed that she has not spoken directly to the former president since 2022. Hicks has held multiple roles in Trump’s circle, including communications director during his White House tenure, and also testified before the congressional committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
During her cross-examination by Trump defense attorney Emily Bove, Hicks became emotional, leading to a short recess. MSNBC reported that she appeared “emotional” and “crying” shortly after the cross-examination began. When Bove asked about her time at the Trump Organization, Hicks started to get emotional, saying, “Sorry about that.” After the recess, she continued her testimony, with Bove reassuring her, “No, it’s okay.”
Hicks described her role in Trump’s first presidential campaign and her involvement in crisis management, such as dealing with the fallout from the Access Hollywood tape.
Trump is facing over 30 felony counts, accused of falsifying business records to hide hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged affair. Trump denies any involvement with hush money payments or the alleged affair.
Just as the defense was about to begin cross examination, Hope Hicks became very emotional and appeared on the verge of tears.
She was just walked out of the courtroom to take a break. @NY1
— Ayana Harry Dudley (@AyanaHarry) May 3, 2024
