The overflow courtroom erupted in gasps when Hope Hicks took the stand as a witness in Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan. As Mr. Trump’s former press secretary and White House communications director, her testimony marked a dramatic conclusion to the trial’s third week.
During her nearly three-hour testimony, Ms. Hicks detailed the impact of the “Access Hollywood” tape on Mr. Trump’s campaign, where he made derogatory comments about women. She knew immediately upon its release in October 2016 that it would be a significant story.
Under subpoena, Ms. Hicks admitted to feeling nervous and even broke down in tears during cross-examination.
The Manhattan district attorney has charged Mr. Trump with falsifying business records to conceal a payment to Stormy Daniels, a porn star with whom he allegedly had an affair. Mr. Trump denies the charges and maintains his innocence. If convicted, he could face probation or imprisonment.
Here are five key takeaways from the 11th day of Mr. Trump’s trial:
A scandalous recording resurfaces.
Ms. Hicks, now a communications consultant, recounted her rapid ascent within the Trump family circle, from working for Ivanka Trump to becoming press secretary for Mr. Trump’s campaign. She recalled the intense fallout from the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape in October 2016.
The judge, Juan M. Merchan, prohibited the playing of the tape but allowed jurors to see a transcript. In the tape, Mr. Trump made offensive remarks about women, claiming that as a star, he could do anything, including groping them.
“Deny, deny, deny.”
Despite efforts at damage control, Ms. Hicks was confronted with the stories of Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels just days before the 2016 election. The National Enquirer reportedly paid Ms. McDougal to suppress her story of an affair with Mr. Trump, which he denies.
Ms. Hicks consulted with Michael D. Cohen, Mr. Trump’s former lawyer, who ultimately paid off Ms. Daniels. Despite mounting pressure, Ms. Hicks and Mr. Cohen maintained the narrative that the allegations were false.
Even as the “Access Hollywood” tape emerged, Ms. Hicks advocated for a strategy of denial, as documented in an email to senior Trump aides.
Election pressures were immense.
Earlier in the week, Keith Davidson testified about negotiations he conducted for Ms. Daniels and Ms. McDougal during the final months of the 2016 campaign, as Mr. Trump faced off against Hillary Clinton.
The election remained a focal point, with Mr. Davidson pressing Mr. Cohen for payment as Election Day approached and Ms. Daniels threatening to reveal the deal as time ran out.
Prosecutors presented online posts and a video statement by Mr. Trump on Friday, where he acknowledged making inappropriate comments on the “Access Hollywood” tape but also criticized Ms. Clinton. The jury also saw posts from before the election where Mr. Trump dismissed accusations of misconduct by women as false.
Mr. Trump’s voice was heard in court and in his public statements, with prosecutors playing videos of his denials of sexual assault and a recorded conversation with Mr. Cohen regarding payment for Ms. McDougal’s story.
Trump faces fines and potential gag-order ruling.
Following arguments over violations of a gag order, Justice Merchan fined Mr. Trump $9,000 and warned of potential jail time if the attacks on trial participants persist. Prosecutors labeled Mr. Trump’s statements as damaging, while his legal team argued they were responses to political attacks.
Justice Merchan has yet to rule on the matter, with a decision expected soon. The trial will resume on Monday.
