Who is Rhona Graff? Trump’s Former Assistant Testified in Hush Money Trial

Rhona Graff (age 67, born in September 1956) is a native New Yorker from Queens. She gained recognition as the former Assistant to Donald Trump, the well-known businessman and former President of the United States.

Graff worked closely with Trump for 34 years as an executive assistant and senior vice president of the Trump Organization, primarily stationed at Trump Tower in New York City.

Her role involved various tasks like arranging meetings, managing correspondence, and organizing events for The Trump Organization, including fundraisers. Rhona also handled communication with the media and facilitated interviews with different individuals and organizations.

One of her main responsibilities was screening and handling incoming calls for Trump, which was a demanding job due to the high volume of inquiries. Graff relied on teamwork and an efficient switchboard to manage the workload.

Graff Joined the Trump Team in 1987

In 1987, Rhona Graff Riccio started working with Donald Trump after applying for a secretarial job through an employment agency. Though unsure at first, she was interested in working for someone she admired. After a successful meeting, she took on the role and gained Trump’s trust over time with her hard work.

Then, in January 2004, Graff found herself involved in a surprising opportunity. Trump teamed up with Mark Burnett Productions and NBC to create The Apprentice, a popular TV show. Graff not only continued her work as Trump’s assistant but also helped coordinate tasks and rewards for the show’s contestants.

Reflecting on her unexpected TV role, Graff noted how life can lead you down unexpected paths. Before working with Trump, she had a career in sports marketing but had to scale back due to her mother’s illness.

Throughout her time with Trump, Graff was a valuable part of his team, praised for her intelligence and loyalty.

Rhona Graff Testified in Trump Hush Money Trial

In the ongoing criminal trial in Lower Manhattan, Rhona Graff emerged as the second witness against Mr. Trump after David Pecker’s testimony. The prosecution called upon her following four days of Pecker’s testimony.

Ms. Graff, while testifying, revealed insights into her role at the Trump Organization. She disclosed that she managed records, including emails, contact lists, and calendar entries. Additionally, she mentioned the presence of contact information for Karen McDougal and a person referred to as “Stormy” in the company’s directory.

Despite her departure from the Trump Organization, Rhona noted that her legal fees were being covered by the organization while she testified in the trial.

During the cross-examination by Trump’s legal team, Graff spoke positively about her time working for the former president. She described him as “fair” as a boss, drawing a smile from Trump in the courtroom.

She also reminisced about Trump’s reality show, “The Apprentice,” and its role in elevating his status to that of a “rock star.”

What did we know about Rhona Graff?

Rhona Graff was born in September 1956 in Queens County, New York State, to Carl Kalman Graff and Elsie Ann Graff. She pursued higher education at Queens College, where she earned a master’s degree in education and psychology.

Before joining the Trump Organization in 1987, Rhona ran a sports marketing company, showcasing her versatility and experience.

On April 19, 1993, Graff tied the knot with Lucius Joseph Riccio, who served as the Commissioner of Transportation for the City of New York at the time.

Read Also: Who is Todd Blanche? All About Trump’s Hush Money Trial Lawyer

Rhona Graff FAQs

Ques: Who is Rhona Graff’s husband?

Ans: Lucius Joseph Riccio.

Ques: What is Rhona Graff’s age?

Ans: Graff is 67 years old.

Ques:  How many years did Rhona Graff work for the Trump Organization?

Ans: Rhona served at the Trump Organization for 34 years.