The trial, scheduled to begin later this month in New York, pertains to the alleged falsification of business records related to a $130,000 hush payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Hicks, who had a meeting with the Manhattan district attorney's office in March 2023, prior to Trump's indictment, served as Trump's 2016 campaign press secretary. Court records from a federal investigation indicate that she spoke with Trump by phone in the weeks leading up to the 2016 election, as efforts were being made to prevent allegations of an affair with Daniels from becoming public. Trump, who has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty, no longer employs Hicks.

When approached for comment by ABC News, Hicks declined to provide a statement. Similarly, the Manhattan district attorney's office refused to disclose the identities of potential witnesses.

In a recent development, prosecutors have sought clarification from the judge overseeing the case regarding the scope of a limited gag order that was issued last week. This request comes after a letter from the district attorney's office expressed concerns over Trump's attacks on the judge's daughter, which are causing apprehension among other witnesses regarding their safety.

Prosecutors argue that Trump's "dangerous, violent, and reprehensible rhetoric" poses a threat to the integrity of the trial and is intended to intimidate both witnesses and trial participants, including the judge himself. They have requested a clarifying order from the judge and a directive that Trump cease all attacks on family members immediately.

Trump has continuously targeted Judge Juan Merchan's daughter on social media, criticizing her political consulting work for Democratic causes and politicians. Defense attorneys have argued that Trump should be allowed to continue these attacks, claiming that he should have the freedom to speak on these issues as a leading presidential candidate and in defense of his case.

Furthermore, the defense has also sought permission to file a motion requesting Judge Merchan's recusal from the trial. They argue that the judge's daughter's affiliation with Authentic Campaigns, Inc., which has marketed its connections to President Biden and Vice President Harris while criticizing Trump, creates a conflict of interest.

The gag order imposed by Judge Merchan prohibits Trump from making statements about witnesses, lawyers (excluding DA Alvin Bragg), court staff and their families, and prospective jurors. However, the order does not explicitly cover the judge and his own family.

Trump had pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment last April, which charged him with falsifying business records in relation to the hush money payment. Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to commence on April 15 in New York City.