How Hope Hicks Went From Teen Model to President Donald Trump’s Most Trusted Employee
Not much is known about Trump aide turned White House communications director Hope Hicks. You might have read about her or heard her name in passing, but you might not know who she is or where she came from. Her name has been in the headlines a lot lately because of scandals involving Russia and her relationship with former White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter. One of the greatest mysteries is how such a young, inexperienced person landed a top spot at the White House.
Here’s how Hope Hicks went from teen model to President Donald Trump’s most trusted employee.
Who is Hope Hicks?
Hicks, who was born in 1988, became the youngest White House communications director in history at the age of 28. Before that, in 2014, she was director of communications for The Trump Organization. The following year she was asked to join Donald Trump’s campaign team. Hicks’ accomplishments were recognized by Forbes magazine, earning her a spot on their 30 Under 30 list in 2017.
Next: How did all of this happen?
Let’s call it what it is: luck
How did Hope Hicks get to where she is now? Hicks proves it’s not who you know, but who knows you. Many people wonder how she got such a prominent job in the White House at such a young age. Sure, she might be smart, but let’s face it, she just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
During her tenure at public relations firm Hiltzik Strategies, Hicks worked on the hotel and golf divisions of The Trump Organization. This is how she was able to meet the right people and eventually rise to her current position.
Next: A pretty face.
Another thing that helped: being pretty
It also doesn’t hurt that Hope Hicks is easy on the eyes. When it comes down to how Trump operates, being attractive is always a plus. It’s no secret that Trump likes pretty women and models (and allegedly adult entertainment stars), so part of the mystery is solved right there. Let’s not forget that all three of Trump’s wives were models. In addition to the wives, it’s reported he dated Allison Giannini and former Sports Illustrated model Kylie Bax.
Next: An unusual relationship.
Hope Hicks and Trump’s relationship
Hicks and Trump have an unusual relationship. Some of the details of their interaction was outlined in Michael Wolff’s controversial book Fire and Fury. In the book Wolff claims Trump treats Hope Hicks like his daughter, and Ivanka Trump as if she were his wife, reports GQ. “[Hope] Hicks was in fact thought of as Trump’s real daughter, while Ivanka was thought of as his real wife,” wrote Wolff.
Next: Her life seems to have been charmed from the start.
Before the White House
Hicks had an interesting life before the White House. She started out as a teen model (she had a modeling contract with Ford). She appeared in campaigns for Ralph Lauren and was on the cover of a Gossip Girl spinoff series called It Girl as well as another book series called The Hourglass.
The Greenwich, Connecticut, native later went on to earn an English degree at Southern Methodist University. The New York Times reports she was also a champion lacrosse player.
Next: Her big promotion.
Her big break
Before Hicks served on Trump’s staff, she had no political experience. Prior to her current role as communications director, the former model was assistant to the president and interim communications director. She also served as press secretary and communications director for Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, and national press secretary for his transition team. Hicks got her big break after Anthony Scaramucci stepped down from the post after just 11 days on the job.
Next: Big trouble.
A troubled department
The White House communications office has been a revolving door. It’s hard not to notice the frequency with which people have entered and then left this department. Few people have been able to stay in the communications office very long.
There have been several departures within a short amount of time. For example, Press Secretary Sean Spicer left his position after Scaramucci came aboard. Before that, Spicer temporarily filled in after former Communications Director Mike Dubke left after only three months.
Next: Somebody call Olivia Pope.
Scandal
Hicks has kept a relatively low profile until recently. She became involved in two White House scandals. One involves the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The second involves her role in writing the White House’s response to abuse allegations against former Staff Secretary Rob Porter.
It was later revealed that White House officials were aware of the abuse allegations and that Porter never received security clearance. Hicks’ role in drafting the White House statement from Chief of Staff John Kelly raises some red flags considering her alleged romantic relationship with Porter.
Next: A handsome paycheck
Hope Hicks’ salary
What is Hope Hicks’ salary? Hicks is paid well to deal with the president and all the stress that comes with working at the White House. And rightly so, considering the daytime drama that’s playing out at the White House these days.
The young communications director is paid the maximum salary of $179,700. That’s not bad considering she has no prior political experience. And it looks like some of that hard-earned cash has gone toward treating herself to some fabulous Louis Vuitton luggage.
Next: Her next chapter.
What’s next for Hope Hicks?
All eyes are now on Hope Hicks. She’s now in the spotlight, something she likely hasn’t been used to since her modeling days. Will Hicks meet a fate similar to her predecessors? Will she step down after serving just a short time?
It’s hard to say whether the stress of the scandals will cause her to jump ship. Although this might be an enticing move in light of the fact that Porter, Hicks’ reported love interest, is already gone. We’ll just have to stay tuned.