Hope Hicks Suddenly Breaks Into Tears at Trump Trial

Hope Hicks, a former top aide to ex-President Donald Trump, broke down in tears while testifying at Trump's hush-money criminal trial in New York City.

Hicks took the stand on Friday to testify about her recollections of Trump's attempt to cover up alleged affairs with adult-film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal just prior to the 2016 presidential election.

Just after Trump lawyer Emil Bove began his cross-examination by asking Hicks what her role was in The Trump Organization, Hicks became emotional and appeared to begin crying for no clear reason.

New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan asked Hicks if she needed a moment before calling a brief recess to the trial. Hicks returned to continue her testimony minutes later.

The Context

Hicks served as a senior White House adviser during the Trump administration, having become a full-time employee of The Trump Organization in late 2014, just months before Trump's political career began. She said in court on Friday that she had not spoken to the ex-president since summer or fall 2022.