Fox News anchors John Roberts and Shannon Bream discussed the testimony of Hope Hicks, a former top aide to Donald Trump, at the former president’s hush money trial on Friday. The trial has garnered significant attention, especially given Trump’s presence in the courtroom during Hicks’ testimony.
Shannon Bream provided insights into the courtroom dynamics, noting that Donald Trump seemed more engaged on this particular day. She mentioned,
“Well, he does seem more engaged today. Sitting at the defense table, he seems to be sending notes and whispering back and forth, primarily with attorney Todd Blanch and others on his team.”
Bream also pointed out that Trump’s demeanor during Hope Hicks’ testimony was more subdued. Hicks appeared visibly nervous, even admitting to the jury, “I’m very nervous.” Bream added,
It was clear from the beginning that she was uncomfortable.” The fact that Hicks had not had communication with Trump since the summer or fall of 2022 seemed to pique the former president’s interest.
John Roberts, recalling his interactions with Hope Hicks when she was White House Communications Director and campaign press secretary, noted that she prefers to avoid the limelight. Despite her discomfort, Hicks revealed significant information during her testimony. Roberts shared that Hicks mentioned rumors of another tape, prompting her to dispatch Michael Cohen to investigate, which ultimately yielded nothing. She also recounted how she contacted Cohen and David Pecker when a Wall Street Journal article about Karen McDougal was about to be published.
Bream responded to Roberts’ insights, highlighting how the prosecution’s direct examination of Hicks focused on her attempts to manage and suppress potentially damaging stories. Hicks’s testimony showed that Cohen, known as Trump’s “fixer,” was heavily involved in these efforts. Bream noted, “Cohen, of course, has been known not only as an attorney for President Trump, but as a fixer,” adding that he was actively engaged in efforts to quiet these stories.
