Stephanie Grisham, Ex-Trump Spokeswoman, Surprises with Support for Harris at DNC

Former White House aide Stephanie Grisham endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday. Grisham, once a close advisor to Donald Trump, expressed her loyalty to the country over party lines, stating, “I love my country more than my party.”

On stage, she declared, “Kamala Harris tells the truth, respects the American people, and she has my vote.” This endorsement is a significant departure from her previous support of Trump, where she served as his press secretary and communications director. Grisham was a prominent figure during Trump’s administration, having joined his campaign in 2016 and later working closely with the first lady.

During her speech, Grisham revealed insights into the Trump administration, alleging that behind closed doors, Trump disparaged his supporters, referring to them as “basement-dwellers.” She criticized his lack of empathy and moral integrity, claiming, “He has no fidelity to the truth.” Grisham mentioned that she refrained from holding press briefings out of principle, unlike her former boss: “I never wanted to stand at that podium and lie.”

In a statement issued earlier this month, Grisham acknowledged that while she may not agree with Harris on all issues, she trusts that Harris will uphold democratic values. She said, “I know that she will fight for our freedom, protect our democracy, and represent America with honor and dignity on the world stage.”

Grisham’s alliance with “Republicans for Harris” was announced by the Harris campaign earlier in August. This group includes various notable Republicans such as former Cabinet secretaries and ex-governors, alongside former members of Congress. Mesa Mayor John Giles also spoke at the DNC, reiterating support for Harris.

Adam Kinzinger, one of the prominent voices within the group, tweeted, “There is nothing ‘conservative’ about Donald Trump.” He urged a shift away from the past, endorsing Harris as a choice for the future.

Grisham’s career has been marked by controversy. She served in multiple roles from the onset of Trump’s presidency, but her tenure as press secretary was notably characterized by a lack of transparency, as she never held on-camera briefings. Her departure from the Trump administration came shortly after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, a pivotal event that has shaped recent American politics.

Alongside her political journey, Grisham has faced scrutiny for her actions during her time in office, including allegations of violating the Hatch Act. Despite this, she has maintained a significant presence in the political landscape, continuing to advocate for candidates she believes uphold American values.