White House communication director Hope Hicks’ reputation hasn’t been tarnished by her relationship with serial abuser Rob Porter. Despite the flurry of negative attention, Hicks received because of the scandal, she’s now ranked as one of the most important people in Washington.
GQ placed the 29-year-old at the top of their list of the 50 most powerful people in the capital. She’s close to President Trump and is well-liked and respected by those surrounding him.
Hicks’ rise to startling rise to prominence began a few years ago when she began working for then-candidate Donald Trump.
“Hope is feared and revered in the West Wing…To the public, she remains in the background. To the president, she is front and center,” White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told GQ.
Hicks has managed to craft an important role for herself in the midst of constant personnel changes at the White House. The media has been buzzing around her for a long time, and she’s barely stumbled.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this year that Hicks was in a relationship with former White House staffer Rob Porter. Within a few days of the affair going public, it was revealed that Porter was a wife-beater with a long history of abusing women.
Porter was fired but the scandal is still swirling.
“The key to her power? She avoids the spotlight and serves ruthlessly,” GQ writes of Hicks.
“It’s been enough to help her evade the wrath of Trump and the scrutiny of the media (if not the growing curiosity of Robert Mueller). Even when scandal inches close… she emerges, influence seemingly intact.”
Hicks’ power is expected to grow as the White House settles into a routine. The turmoil that afflicted President Trump’s first year in office is unlikely to continue, giving staffers a chance to shine.
(Source: Daily Mail)