Ex-Trump Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham Backs Kamala Harris, Critiques Trump at DNC

Former White House press secretary under Donald Trump, Stephanie Grisham, made headlines when she publicly retracted her support for the former president and expressed her endorsement for Kamala Harris during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In her speech, Grisham disclosed her deep disillusionment with Trump, providing her perspective as someone who was once a fervent supporter and integral part of his inner circle.

Disavowing Trump, Supporting Harris

During her address, Grisham recounted her former devotion to Trump, describing herself as not only a supporter but a "true believer" who had even shared major holidays with the former president. However, her experiences behind the scenes revealed a starkly different picture, with Grisham alleging that Trump showed contempt for his own supporters and lacked empathy or moral principles. 

Grisham's decision to disassociate herself from the Trump administration came after a series of disillusioning experiences. One particularly poignant incident involved a hospital visit Trump made during the Covid-19 pandemic, where Grisham claimed the former president displayed anger over the lack of media attention rather than compassion for the patients. She emphasized the importance of truthful communication, stating, "It does matter — what you say matters and what you don't say matters."

Resignation and Regret

Grisham's break with the Trump administration became irreversible on January 6, 2021, when she sought to convey a message advocating for peaceful protest while simultaneously condemning violence and lawlessness. However, she reported that then-first lady Melania Trump dismissed her proposal. This moment of disillusionment prompted Grisham to become the first senior staff member to resign, unable to endure the tumult any longer. 

Truth and Integrity

As press secretary, Grisham faced scrutiny for not holding traditional White House briefings, a decision she attributed to her unwillingness to propagate untruths. "It's because, unlike my boss, I never wanted to stand at that podium and lie," she defended. Now, standing before a different audience, Grisham affirmed her allegiance to Kamala Harris, citing the latter's commitment to truthfulness and respect for the American populace. 

Grisham's association with Trump spanned various roles, including serving as White House communications director and press secretary, followed by her position as Melania Trump's press secretary and chief of staff. In a subsequent interview, she expressed her desire to reach undecided voters and emphasized the significance of respectful discourse, regardless of differing political opinions. Grisham praised the Harris campaign for effectively communicating the erosion of individual freedoms, noting that this resonates with a broad spectrum of voters, including Republican women.

Breaking Away from Trump

In the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection, Grisham distanced herself from Trump and eventually cooperated with the House committee investigating the events. She revealed that she had contemplated resigning on multiple occasions, but had been dissuaded by Melania Trump. However, the events of January 6 ultimately compelled her to sever ties, a decision she felt proud of as it demonstrated her principles and integrity.

Grisham's appearance at the Democratic National Convention marked a significant moment of political realignment and personal transformation. Her candid revelations and support for Kamala Harris represent a departure from her previous allegiance, reflecting a profound shift in her political beliefs and commitment to integrity.