The incredible career of Hope Hicks, the 29-year-old former model in Trump's inner circle who has become a pivotal part of the Russia investigation
In an interview with Marie Claire, Hicks stressed her belief in hard work and passion, which she said she learned from her father, Donald Trump, and Ivanka Trump. "If you work hard and you work for somebody who empowers you and challenges you, you'll be successful."
Recently, special counsel Robert Mueller reportedly interviewed Hicks as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to the Daily Mail. Business Insider reported she's hired attorney Robert Trout to represent her in the investigation.
Source: Business Insider, The Daily Mail, Business Insider
New York Magazine reported Hicks' mother previously told her to write a book about her experience in the campaign, along the lines of "Primary Colors," a fictionalization about Bill Clinton's presidential campaign. "I told her, 'You don't even know,'" Hicks told New York Magazine.
Source: New York Magazine
Along with top Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, Hicks now brings in an annual salary of $179,700 — the maximum pay for any of Trump's aides.
Source: The White House
After Anthony Scaramucci was fired from his post as communications director in August 2017, Hicks was named as his replacement. "Hope is a terrific person and will do a great job. Wishing her the best," Scaramucci wrote in a tweet.
Source: CNBC
Lewandowski said Hicks was "smart and private, with a nearly photographic memory."
Source: Business Insider
On the campaign trail, Hicks was also tasked with steaming Trump's suit and pants while he was wearing them. "She'd steam the jacket first and then sit in a chair in front of him and steam his pants," Lewandowski and Bossie wrote.
Source: Business Insider
In an interview for GQ, Trump told Olivia Nuzzi he was impressed by Hicks' ability to field so many press inquiries. "She gets a call a minute, probably," he said. He said he didn't see a benefit to her "outsider status" and lack of experience, but added, "She was very natural when it comes to picking it up, and a lot of people can't pick it up, because it's so fast-moving."
Source: GQ
During the campaign, New York Magazine's Gabriel Sherman reported Trump gave Hicks, along with Lewandowski, a free apartment in a Trump building. "Hicks spends most of her day sitting in Trump's office with her laptop, fielding press inquiries and taking dictation from him to tweet," he wrote.
When Trump first called Hicks to his office, she reportedly didn't realize he was planning to run for president. Instead, she thought he was asking her to run a press campaign for one of his golf clubs. "No, my presidential campaign!" Trump said, according to the Washington Post. "I’m running for president."
Source: Business Insider, The Washington Post
Ivanka Trump ultimately poached Hicks in 2014, hiring her to work on her namesake lifestyle brand. GQ reported the two became close, with Hicks even "dressing like the heiress." Ivanka Trump later told The New York Times Hicks also went on to earn her father's trust.
Source: GQ, New York Times
Some of Hitzik's clients have included Baldwin, Justin Bieber, Katie Couric, Glenn Beck, and Manti Te'o. Hicks worked on the firm's Ivanka Trump account, and reportedly impressed her boss. "Hope is an independent thinker who uses proper discretion and is always looking to learn and improve," Hiltzik told PR Week.
Source: CNN, Marist, PR Week, New York Times
After graduating from Southern Methodist University, CNN reportedHicks landed a job at PR firm Hiltzik Strategies in 2012 after meeting founder Matthew Hiltzik at a NFL Super Bowl event. According to the New York Times, however, the interview with Hiltzik was set up after Hicks and her father met Alec Baldwin at the Super Bowl.
Source: CNN, Marist, PR Week, New York Times
Hicks dreamt of becoming an actor. The New York Times reported she even "read lines for a film role with Alec Baldwin." At the age of 13, Hicks told Greenwich Magazine she wanted to pursue acting, but could see herself in politics.
Source: New York Times, NPR
Growing up in Greenwich, Hicks swam, and played golf and lacrosse. At Greenwich High School, she became captain of the varsity lacrosse team, which ultimately won a state championship. She also landed modeling jobs for television commercials, Ralph Lauren, and Vogue. Ford Modeling Agency represented Hicks and her sister Marcy Grace.
Source: New York Times, NPR
Popular Right Now
Advertisement