Ex-Tucsonan Stephanie Grisham, Former Trump Spokesperson, Criticizes Boss with 'Republicans for Harris'

Stephanie Grisham, a former Tucson resident and once a prominent spokeswoman for Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign and White House tenure, has now endorsed Kamala Harris for president, joining a faction of “Republicans for Harris.”

“I might not agree with Vice President Kamala Harris on everything, but I know that she will fight for our freedom, protect our democracy, and represent America with honor and dignity on the world stage,” Grisham declared in an official statement.

Grisham, who initiated her political journey in Arizona, was part of Trump’s first presidential campaign starting in May 2016. After Trump’s election victory, she served both the president and first lady, ascending to the roles of press secretary and communications director.

In the wake of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Grisham resigned immediately from her position as Melania Trump’s chief of staff. The deadly event saw Trump supporters storm the Capitol in an attempt to stop the electoral vote count for Joe Biden.

Grisham’s endorsement of Harris marks a significant shift from her previous allegiance to Trump, signaling a notable political realignment.

The pro-Harris coalition of Republicans, announced by her campaign on Monday, includes notables such as former Cabinet secretaries Chuck Hagel and Ray LaHood, ex-governors Christine Todd Whitman, Bill Weld, and Jim Edgar. Other members include former Congress members Adam Kinzinger, Susan Molinari, Denver Riggleman, and Mesa Mayor John Giles.

Adam Kinzinger notably tweeted, “There is nothing ‘conservative’ about Donald Trump. Conservatives believe in the Constitution, not a ‘man’s’ ego.” He added, “I’m endorsing @KamalaHarris for the future of American democracy.”

Grisham’s tenure in the Trump administration was marked by controversy. Despite being appointed press secretary in May 2019, she did not hold a single on-camera briefing during her one-year tenure.

Grisham had a tumultuous relationship with Trump’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, causing her to move back to the East Wing to work for Melania Trump in spring 2020.

Previously, she served as a spokeswoman for Republicans in the Arizona Legislature and was the public information officer for state Attorney General Tom Horne. Her career includes a stint at AAA Arizona and the Arizona Charter Schools Association.

Grisham’s personal life has also been under public scrutiny. She was married twice, first to Dan Marries, an anchor at KOLD Channel 13, and later to Todd Grisham, a sports announcer.

Grisham’s shift to supporting Harris reveals the deep divisions within the Republican Party following Trump’s presidency and the Capitol riot. This alignment underscores a broader call for unity and a common goal of preserving democratic institutions.