“I Love My Country More Than My Party” – Grisham Takes a Stand Against Trump’s “No Empathy, No Morals” Leadership
In a stunning turn of events, Stephanie Grisham, former White House Press Secretary under Donald Trump, took the stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to denounce the man she once fervently supported. In a powerful and emotional speech, Grisham revealed the deep disillusionment that led her to break ranks with the Trump administration and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency.
Grisham, who was once one of Trump’s closest advisers and an insider within the Trump family circle, painted a damning picture of the former president. “I wasn’t just a Trump supporter; I was a true believer,” Grisham began. She described how the Trump family became her own, with holidays spent at Mar-a-Lago and behind-the-scenes access to Trump in his most unguarded moments. It was during these private moments, Grisham revealed, that she saw a side of Trump that made her question everything.
“Trump mocks his supporters,” Grisham declared, sharing how the former president referred to them as “basement dwellers.” She recounted a particularly jarring incident during a hospital visit when Trump was more concerned with the lack of media coverage than with the critically ill patients he was supposed to comfort. “He has no empathy, no morals, and no fidelity to this country,” Grisham stated, her voice filled with conviction.
Grisham’s breaking point came on January 6, 2021, the day of the Capitol insurrection. As the violence unfolded, Grisham recounted how she pleaded with Melania Trump to at least condemn the violence in a tweet. The former First Lady’s one-word response, “no,” solidified Grisham’s decision to resign from her senior position immediately. “I couldn’t be part of the insanity any longer,” she explained.
Reflecting on her time as White House Press Secretary, Grisham acknowledged the criticism she faced for never holding a press briefing, a decision she now attributes to her unwillingness to “stand at that podium and lie.” Today, she stands behind a different podium, advocating for Harris because, as she put it, “I love my country more than my party.”
Grisham’s endorsement of Harris is particularly significant given her former role as a key figure in Trump’s inner circle. “Kamala Harris tells the truth. She respects the American people, and she has my vote,” Grisham concluded, a statement that underscores the gravity of her transformation from staunch Trump supporter to vocal critic.
The impact of Grisham’s speech at the DNC is already rippling through political circles. As CNN’s Abby Phillip noted, the absence of notable Trump officials from the Republican National Convention, including former Vice President Mike Pence, reflects the deepening fractures within the Republican Party under Trump’s leadership. For many, like Grisham, the events of January 6th provided a moment of intense clarity about Trump’s character and his unfitness for office.
Speaking with CNN’s Sara Sidner after her speech, Grisham described her experience up until that day as “surreal” and admitted that coming forward was terrifying. She acknowledged the backlash she expects to face, including threats to her safety, but expressed hope that her words would resonate with voters. “If I reached even a handful of independents or Republicans who will vote their conscience and not for party, then I will have done my job,” she said.
As the nation gears up for another contentious election, Grisham’s defection from Trump’s camp and her endorsement of Kamala Harris signal a significant moment in the ongoing battle for the soul of the Republican Party and the future of American democracy.
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