Trial: Trump ex-confidant was “concerned” about sexist video

In the trial against Donald Trump in connection with hush money payments to a porn actress, an ex-confidant of the former US president described her view of the scandal surrounding the “Access Hollywood” video. Hope Hicks said on Friday in the witness stand in court in New York that she was “worried, very worried” when the video with sexist statements made by Trump during the 2016 election campaign became public, as US media consistently reported.

Hicks, who was Trump’s communications director, then instructed her employees, among other things, to “deny, deny, deny.” In the video from 2005, Trump boasts that as a celebrity you can do anything to women, including grabbing their crotch.

Hicks was also asked about her view of former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who is repeatedly portrayed by the Trump defense as untrustworthy. Hicks, 35, said she had not spoken to Trump since 2022. Their testimony, which lasted several hours, had to be interrupted for a short break at one point because Hiccup burst into tears.

First criminal trial against a former US president

In the proceedings – the first criminal trial against a former US president in the history of the United States – Trump is accused of, among other things, falsifying business documents. The 77-year-old, who is seeking re-election as US president in November, has pleaded not guilty.

The trial began in mid-April and, according to the court, could last up to eight weeks. If convicted, the 77-year-old faces a prison sentence of several years, which could also be suspended. Trump would also have the opportunity to appeal. Even after a possible conviction – and even in the event of a prison sentence – Trump is likely to run in the presidential election.