Once one of Trump’s closest confidants, Hicks provided a window into the chaotic fallout over the tape’s release just days before a crucial debate with Democrat Hillary Clinton. It was recorded in 2005, but was not seen by the public until October 7, 2016, about a month before election day.

Meet Karine Jean-Pierre, the first Black, openly gay White House press sec

Hicks described being stunned and huddling with other Trump advisers after learning about the tape’s existence from The Washington Post reporter who broke the story. Hicks forwarded the reporter’s request to campaign leadership with the recommendation to “deny, deny, deny”, she said.

“I had a good sense to believe this was going to be a massive story and that it was going to dominate the news cycle for the next several days,” Hicks testified. “This was a damaging development.”

According to various reports, she cried on the witness stand when asked about her time working for the former president.

Here’s what we know about her:

Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked

Who is Hope Hicks?

According to The New York Times, Hicks was just 26 years old and working for Ivanka Trump’s clothing business when Trump offered her a job for his presidential campaign in 2015, despite her having no prior experience in politics. She rose through the ranks during her years at the White House, where she eventually became its communications director, writes the source.

Who are Hope Hicks’ parents?

Hicks’ parents have a background in politics too, according to Town & Country. Her mum worked as a legislative aide for a democrat from Tennessee, and her father was the chief of staff for a republican congressman from Connecticut. Her father went on to work in top positions at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and the National Football League; he currently serves as the managing director of the Glover Park Group.

She’s engaged to a wealthy banker

Per US media, Hicks is currently engaged to Goldman Sachs boss Jim Donovan. They’ve been dating since 2019 and got engaged while hiking in Italy.

Meet Harry and Meghan’s talented new deputy press secretary, Kyle Boulia

She used to model

Before joining the world of politics, Hicks was a teenage model, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She previously starred in a Ralph Lauren ad and was also on the cover of a Gossip Girl spin-off book written by Cecily von Ziegesar.

Where did Hope Hicks work after the White House?

After leaving the White House, Hicks, now 35, landed the job of chief communications officer at Fox Corporation, according to Town & Country. While in the role, she worked under Rupert Murdoch’s son, Lachlan Murdoch. The Independent reported that she has since founded her own strategic consultancy firm.

Additional reporting by Faye Bradley