Stephanie Grisham, a name once closely tied to the Trump administration, has resurfaced in political news due to her decision to speak at the ongoing Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 2024. Grisham’s journey from a loyal Trump aide to a critic willing to align with the Democratic Party has drawn significant attention, especially given the polarizing figure she once served.
Early career and rise to prominence
Stephanie Grisham was born on July 23, 1976, in Colorado. Her career in communications began in Arizona, where she worked on local political campaigns and as a spokesperson for various Republican politicians. Grisham’s path to the national stage began in 2015 when she joined Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Her work ethic and loyalty to the Trump campaign quickly earned her a spot in the White House after Trump’s victory in 2016.
Grisham first served as the deputy press secretary for Sean Spicer, then as communications director for the First Lady, Melania Trump. In 2019, she was promoted to White House Press Secretary, replacing Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Grisham was also given the role of White House Communications Director, a dual position that highlighted her influence within the administration.
A controversial tenure as press secretary
Grisham’s time as press secretary was notably unconventional. She did not hold a single press briefing during her tenure, a stark departure from her predecessors’ approaches. Instead, she focused on defending the president through television appearances and social media. Her critics accused her of prioritizing loyalty to Trump over transparency and communication with the press.
Despite the controversies, Grisham remained steadfast in her support of Trump until the final days of his administration. However, the events of January 6, 2021, would dramatically shift her perspective.
Resignation after the Capitol assault
On January 6, 2021, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. The violence and chaos that ensued shocked the nation and led to widespread condemnation of Trump for his role in inciting the insurrection.
Stephanie Grisham was among the first senior officials to resign in the wake of the Capitol assault. Her resignation was seen as a significant rebuke of Trump’s actions, as Grisham had been one of his most loyal aides. In her resignation statement, Grisham expressed her horror at the violence and emphasized the need for a peaceful transition of power.
Post-White House life and public criticism
Since leaving the White House, Stephanie Grisham has become more vocal about her experiences within the Trump administration. In her memoir, I’ll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw at the Trump White House, published in October 2021, Grisham provided a detailed account of her time working for the Trumps. The book offered a critical perspective on the administration, including behind-the-scenes accounts of Trump’s behavior and the inner workings of the White House.
Grisham’s memoir drew significant attention for its candid portrayal of the administration, and she has since become a vocal critic of Trump. In various interviews and public statements, she has expressed regret for her role in promoting the administration’s agenda and has called on the Republican Party to move away from Trump’s influence.
Speaking at the Democratic National Convention
In a surprising turn of events, Stephanie Grisham announced that she would be speaking at the Democratic National Convention. This move has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, given her past association with Trump and the Republican Party.
Grisham told NBC News in a statement that she would be addressing this week’s convention, saying she feels “very strongly about speaking out.” “While I don’t agree with Vice President Harris on everything, I am proud to be supporting her because I know she will defend our freedoms and represent our nation with honesty and integrity,” Grisham told the news outlet.
