Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III conducted three interviews with former White House official Hope Hicks as part of his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, referencing her more than 180 times in his final report.
House and Senate congressional committees repeatedly sought Hicks' testimony, including regarding the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Now, Hicks is expected to testify in a Manhattan court as early as Friday in Donald Trump’s hush money trial. She is likely to be questioned about her knowledge of a deal between the National Enquirer and Trump allies to suppress unflattering stories about him during the 2016 campaign.
For Hicks, a former top Trump official and trusted adviser, this marks another significant moment in a series of high-profile events, despite her aversion to the spotlight. Hicks, 35, has been likened to the chameleon-like character Zelig from Trumpworld, initially a teenage model and political novice who was thrust into the upper echelons of American politics when Trump invited her to join his campaign in 2015.
Former Trump officials noted that Hicks earned the complete trust of Trump and his family. However, her proximity to Trump's inner circle also exposed her to risks, tying her closely to the former president, his tumultuous leadership, and the controversies surrounding his administration.
Hicks declined to comment for this article, but sources close to her indicate she is frustrated about being called to testify in the hush money trial, believing it to be a waste of time and money.
Despite emerging from the administration with her reputation largely intact, Hicks was involved in nearly every major scandal that faced scrutiny from various legal bodies, including special counsels, U.S. attorneys, congressional committees, grand juries, and federal prosecutors.
David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer, testified that Hicks was present at an August 2015 meeting at Trump Tower where he discussed the tabloid's role in supporting Trump's campaign. Hicks also played a pivotal role in managing the fallout from the "Access Hollywood" tape and the Stormy Daniels scandal.
Following Trump's presidency, Hicks and Trump remained in contact, with Hicks visiting him at Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida. However, their relationship reportedly chilled after Hicks testified about the Capitol attack, with Trump's daughter Ivanka particularly upset about Hicks's texts regarding the incident.
Despite the rift, most observers believe the distance between Hicks and Trump is not permanent, given their long-standing relationship and mutual affection.
Hicks joined Trump's campaign in 2015, initially handling marketing and PR at the Trump Organization. She quickly adapted to the world of politics, eventually becoming a central figure in Trump's White House, where her desk was situated just outside the Oval Office.
Colleagues and media alike praised Hicks for her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and strategic acumen. Despite her glamorous image, Hicks was known for her humility and was described as "the glue" between conflicting factions within the administration.
While Hicks left the White House briefly in 2018, she returned in 2020 for the campaign. Since Trump's presidency, Hicks has largely stayed away from politics, focusing instead on her strategic consulting firm. However, her expected testimony in Trump's hush money trial underscores the enduring influence Trump wields over those in his orbit.