Stephanie Grisham, Ex-Trump Spokesperson & Tucson Native, Backs Harris at DNC

Stephanie Grisham, a former resident of Tucson and ex-press secretary for Donald Trump, publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday. “I love my country more than my party,” Grisham stated on stage, emphasizing her belief in Harris’s integrity and commitment to the American people.

Having previously served as a spokesperson for Trump throughout his 2016 campaign and into his presidency, she has taken a significant stance by joining a group called “Republicans for Harris.” Earlier, she described herself as a “true believer” in Trump and shared insights on his private demeanor, claiming he disparages supporters as “basement-dwellers.”

“He has no empathy, no morals, no fidelity to the truth,” Grisham elaborated, shedding light on the disillusionment that led to her endorsement of Harris. Reflecting on her time as a White House spokeswoman, she remarked, “Unlike my boss, I never wanted to stand at that podium and lie.”

Despite acknowledging potential differences with Harris, Grisham affirms that the Vice President will “fight for our freedom, protect our democracy and represent America with honor and dignity.” Grisham’s political journey began in Arizona, where she became involved with Trump’s presidential campaign in May 2016, transitioning to various roles within his administration.

Grisham resigned shortly after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which was marked by violence and an attempt to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory. Her current endorsement of Harris aligns her with several prominent Republicans who have also pledged their support, including former Cabinet secretaries and ex-governors.

Several members of this group, including Adam Kinzinger and Chuck Hagel, have publicly criticized Trump’s brand of conservatism. Kinzinger, for instance, stated, “There is nothing ‘conservative’ about Donald Trump,” underscoring a philosophical rift within the Republican Party.

During her tenure in the White House, Grisham was notably scrutinized for never conducting an on-camera briefing, a departure from norms expected of her position. She had also faced allegations of violating the Hatch Act by politicizing her official role.

Prior to her work with Trump, Grisham served as a spokeswoman for the Arizona Legislature and held various public relations positions. Despite resignation and criticism, her endorsement of Harris positions her squarely in a historical moment of shifting allegiances in American politics.