BREAKING: Hope Hicks Testifies in Trump Trial: No Explosive Revelations, 16 Takeaways Dissected

We were bombarded with warnings that Hope Hicks's testimony in court today will be a bombshell, what could finally nail Donald Trump on Day 11 of his trial in Manhattan.

This is because Hicks served in various roles within the Trump organization and later within the Trump administration. She was going to be the insider who was going to reveal it all.

After all, she first worked for the Trump Organization as a public relations and communications aide, eventually becoming the press secretary for Trump's presidential campaign in 2016. After Trump won the election, Hicks continued to serve as a close aide and communications director within the Trump White House. Throughout her tenure, Hicks was known for her close relationship with Trump, often described as one of his most trusted confidantes. She played a significant role in shaping Trump's public image and messaging strategies.

However, now that the jury is on a lunch recess until 2:15 pm ET, marking a temporary halt in the proceedings as the Donald Trump trial unfolds in Manhattan, I can summarize what I have heard and read so far.

A) Karen McDougal

To start, it's good to know about Karen McDougal, who is a former Playboy model who became involved in legal controversies related to her alleged affair with Donald Trump.

McDougal claims that she had a consensual affair with Trump in 2006, which Trump has denied. McDougal's story gained attention during Trump's presidency and became part of wider discussions about his personal conduct and relationships.

She was also involved in legal agreements, including one with American Media, Inc. (AMI), the publisher of the National Enquirer, which allegedly bought the rights to her story but did not publish it to protect Trump's reputation.

McDougal's case has been a focal point in discussions about Trump's alleged extramarital affairs and the use of non-disclosure agreements to silence accusers.

Now back to Hicks's testimony today. It has not been a bombshell. Here are 16 takeaways so far. I do not see how what she has said so far affects Trump in this case.

1- Hicks first heard of Karen McDougal on November 4, 2016, when a Wall Street Journal reporter contacted her about McDougal and American Media, Inc. (AMI).

2- Hicks received the WSJ email about Karen McDougal while on Trump's plane. She forwarded the WSJ email to Jared Kushner to inform him and sought advice on how to handle the situation.

3- Hicks then briefed a group on the 25th floor, including Jason, Kellyanne, Steve, Jared Kushner, Stephen Miller, and possibly Chris Christie, about the tape's existence.

B) Hollywood tape

4- Trump's reaction to the Access Hollywood tape was shock and disbelief, with him initially dismissing it as inconsequential.

5- Despite Trump's nonchalant attitude, Hicks sensed the tape's potential to dominate the news cycle and damage the campaign.

6- There was consensus among the group that the tape was damaging and would pose a crisis for the campaign.

7- Trump was involved in crafting responses to the tape and preferred to weigh in on statements directly.

8- Hicks communicated with Michael Cohen about rumored tapes and their potential impact on the campaign.

9- Trump was concerned about reports of his behavior with women and their effect on his standing with voters.

10- Hicks testified that all of Trump's tweets were his own language, either written or approved by him. Some were posted by Dan Scavino but were always approved by Trump.

11- Hicks collaborated with Cohen to craft a written denial to the WSJ story, reflecting Trump's desire to counter the accusations effectively.

12- Hicks recounted a conversation with Trump, during which he sought clarification on information previously provided by Pecker, indicating his hands-on approach to crisis management.

13- David Pecker is the former CEO of American Media, Inc. (AMI), which published the National Enquirer and other tabloid magazines.

14- Trump had input into the statement Hicks and Cohen were working on, shaping it into a denial of the accusations and asserting ignorance about the deal between McDougal and AMI.

15- Hicks does not recall being present at an August 2015 meeting but remembers participating in phone calls with Trump, Cohen, and Pecker.

16- Later, Trump praised the reporting of the National Enquirer on various occasions, indicating a close relationship with David Pecker.