In the latest edition of From the Politics Desk, we delve into Donald Trump's vice presidential selection process, which has embarked on a subdued start. Meanwhile, former White House communications director Hope Hicks took the stand in Trump's New York criminal trial, providing a dramatic inside account of his reaction to the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape.

It has been almost two months since securing the Republican nomination, but Donald Trump has shown no urgency in announcing his running mate. With much of his time being dedicated to legal matters, Trump has not commenced the individual auditioning process for potential picks as he did during the 2016 election. However, a fundraising retreat in Palm Beach, Florida, scheduled for this weekend, might open doors for VP hopefuls to be considered.

According to a Trump advisor, the search for a running mate is expected to remain quiet for the time being. Although the campaign has yet to directly engage with prospects regarding the possibility of joining the ticket, initial in-depth assessments of potential candidates have been conducted.

Meanwhile, in Trump's ongoing New York criminal trial, former close aide, Hope Hicks, took the stand as the ninth witness. Hicks, visibly nervous, provided the jury with a dramatic account of Trump's reaction to the "Access Hollywood" tape, a controversy that nearly derailed his first presidential bid. Emotions ran high during her cross-examination by Trump's attorney, Emil Bove, as Hicks broke down in tears when questioned about the Trump family granting her employment opportunities.

Hicks, who began working at the Trump Organization in 2014 and later joined Trump's 2016 campaign and administration, stated that she has not spoken to Trump in nearly two years.

In other news, NBC News chief Washington correspondent and chief foreign affairs correspondent Andrea Mitchell filed a report after accompanying Secretary of State Antony Blinken on a Middle East shuttle. Mitchell highlighted the volatile situation back home, with American campuses erupting in protests over the very conflict that Blinken was attempting to mediate. The tension among the region's leaders and their diverging narratives were also emphasized, with promises of financial aid for post-war Gaza proving illusory and rivalries emerging among Arab leaders.

As the Israeli ceasefire offer awaits acceptance from Hamas leaders, tensions rise as it remains uncertain whether a peaceful resolution can be reached. The United States finds itself caught in the middle, with its diplomats growing increasingly frustrated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's threats to attack Rafah just as a potential ceasefire appears within reach. Middle East leaders fear that failure to seize this moment could lead to even bloodier conflict.

As the campaign trail progresses silently in search of Trump's running mate, the courtroom drama in New York continues. Retribution emerges from a former aide's testimony, shedding light on the past while the Middle East remains mired in uncertainty.