Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Hope Hicks

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Hope Hicks.

Hope Hicks is an American public relations executive and political advisor. She is best known for her roles in President Donald Trump's administration. She initially served as White House Director of Strategic Communications before becoming White House Communications Director. She later returned to the White House as a Counselor to the President. Her close proximity and long tenure within the Trump administration made her a notable figure.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

February 27, 2018: Testimony to House Intelligence Committee

On February 27, 2018, Hope Hicks testified before the House Intelligence Committee, acknowledging that she sometimes told "white lies" as communications director.

March 4, 2019: House Judiciary Committee Request

On March 4, 2019, the House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Hicks requesting information regarding alleged obstruction of justice by the Trump administration.

April 18, 2019: Release of Mueller Report

On April 18, 2019, the Robert Mueller report was released, mentioning Hope Hicks over 180 times.

May 21, 2019: Subpoena for Documents and Testimony

On May 21, 2019, Hope Hicks was subpoenaed by the House Judiciary Committee for documents and testimony.

June 4, 2019: Executive Privilege Invoked

On June 4, 2019, the Trump White House invoked executive privilege, directing Hope Hicks not to provide documents related to her employment in the Trump administration.

June 19, 2019: Closed-Door Testimony

On June 19, 2019, Hope Hicks testified in a closed-door session, during which lawyers for the Trump administration forbade her from answering questions 155 times.

July 18, 2019: Release of Unredacted Search Warrant Documents

On July 18, 2019, unredacted search warrant documents from the Michael Cohen criminal case were released, suggesting Hicks might have known about hush payments earlier than previously claimed.

June 1, 2020: Involvement in Trump's Church Appearance

On June 1, 2020, during the George Floyd protests, Hope Hicks suggested that Trump walk to St. John's Episcopal Church, leading to the forceful clearing of peaceful protesters.

2020: Hicks Advised Trump to Move On After Election

In the weeks after the 2020 election, Hope Hicks advised Trump to move on, leading him to say, "Well, Hope doesn’t believe in me," to which she replied, "No, I don’t. Nobody’s convinced me otherwise."

June 2022: New York Times Reports on Hicks' Advice to Trump

In June 2022, The New York Times reported that in the weeks after the 2020 election, Hope Hicks advised Trump to move on, leading him to say, "Well, Hope doesn’t believe in me."

October 25, 2022: Interview with January 6 Committee

On October 25, 2022, Hope Hicks sat for an interview with the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack.

December 19, 2022: Televised Testimony to January 6 Committee

On December 19, 2022, part of Hope Hicks' interview with the January 6 Committee was televised during the committee's public hearing.

April 1, 2024: Reported Testimony in Trump Hush Money Trial

On April 1, 2024, it was reported that Hope Hicks would testify for the prosecution in the Trump hush money criminal trial.

May 3, 2024: Testified in Trump Hush Money Trial

On May 3, 2024, Hope Hicks testified in the Trump hush money criminal trial, detailing Trump's relationship with David Pecker and his desire to cover up alleged affairs.