Stephanie Grisham Breaks Ranks: Former Trump Press Secretary Speaks at Democratic National Convention
Former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham is set to make headlines this week as she takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention, expressing her solidarity with Vice President Kamala Harris and calling on fellow Republicans to support her in preventing a resurgence of Donald Trump in the political arena.
Grisham’s Unlikely Shift
Grisham, who served under Trump in various capacities before resigning following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, stated, “I never thought I’d be speaking at a Democratic convention. But, after seeing firsthand who Donald Trump really is, and the threat he poses to our country, I feel very strongly about speaking out.” Despite her alignment with Harris, Grisham noted that she does not agree with the Vice President on all issues.
Support for Honest Leadership
Expressing her endorsement, Grisham highlighted her confidence in Harris’s ability to “defend our freedoms and represent our nation with honesty and integrity.” Her participation in the convention places her among a group of prominent Republicans who are willing to address the party’s direction amid ongoing divisions.
Other Notable Speakers Join Grisham
Grisham won’t be the only former Trump ally taking to the stage; Olivia Troye, a previous national security adviser, is also scheduled to speak. In addition to these former Trump officials, the audience will hear from Republican figures such as Mesa, Arizona Mayor John Giles, former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, and former Congressman Adam Kinzinger.
Campaign Outreach to Anti-Trump Republicans
At the outset of the convention, attendees heard testimonials from Republicans who once supported Trump but are now shifting their allegiance to Harris. In an effort to resonate with disillusioned Republican voters, the Harris-Walz campaign is actively promoting outreach to those distancing themselves from Trump’s candidacy.
Austin Weatherford, the campaign’s Republican engagement director, commented, “The programming is just the latest effort by our campaign to reach out to anti-Trump Republicans.” Following President Joe Biden’s endorsement of Harris, the campaign has intensified its initiatives to attract support from moderate and disaffected Republican voters.
