Former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham faced a barrage of criticism from conservative figures following her appearance at the Democratic National Convention, where she voiced support for Vice President Kamala Harris and made unproved claims about former President Donald Trump.
The backlash against Grisham comes amid scrutiny of her past two arrests for driving under the influence—one in 2013 and another in 2015 while working for Trump’s campaign.
Grisham has stated that she disclosed these incidents to the White House.
Grisham, who served in various roles in the Trump administration including as press secretary and communications director for Melania Trump, alleged that Trump “mocks his supporters behind closed doors” and claimed that the former First Lady refused to call for peaceful protests during the January 6 riot.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer led the charge against Grisham, labeling her a “traitor who got rich off Donald Trump and then turned on him on J6.”
Loomer’s criticism took a personal turn when she commented on Grisham’s appearance, suggesting she had “gained about 75 pounds” since leaving the Trump administration.
Grisham responded to Loomer’s attacks, attributing any weight changes to menopause and denying that she had become wealthy.
“Def not rich either—I run a non-profit animal sanctuary & could barely afford the blazer I wore tonight,” Grisham stated, adding, “BUT…I told the truth & plan to keep doing so.”
Mercedes Schlapp, Trump’s former White House Director of Strategic Communications, also weighed in, challenging Grisham’s explanation for not holding press briefings during her tenure.
Grisham had claimed she “never wanted to stand at the podium and lie,” but Schlapp countered, “No one in the White House had the confidence in her to effectively answer reporters’ questions at the podium.”