First lady’s spokeswoman will replace Sarah Sanders
Stephanie Grisham, who has served as first lady Melania Trump’s press secretary for over two years, will replace Sarah Sanders as White House press secretary and communications director. Grisham was considered the front-runner to fill the spot.
“I am pleased to announce @StephGrisham45 will be the next @PressSec & Comms Director! She has been with us since 2015 – @potus & I can think of no better person to serve the Administration & our country. Excited to have Stephanie working for both sides of the @WhiteHouse. #BeBest,” Mrs. Trump tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.
Grisham has become a close and trusted adviser to the first lady and the first family during her time at the White House. The first lady and the Trump family appreciate her loyalty and discretion. Grisham has also impressed the president and first lady with the way she runs the first lady’s communications operation — it’s viewed as a tight ship with few leaks.
She is also one of the few remaining holdovers among the top White House officials from the 2016 campaign and has the approval of other members of the Trump family, as well.
Sanders’ final day is Friday. Grisham will be accompanying the president on his G20 trip to Japan this week.
Sanders would not comment on what plans Grisham may or may not have for press briefings.
A former senior White House official called Grisham “the ultimate Trump loyalist.”
“She’s been with him from the very beginning. She’s proven her chops with the First Lady’s Office, which has avoided the missteps that often plagued the West Wing press staff. She’s tough as nails. The press respects her. And most importantly, Trump trusts her,” the official told CBS News.
Principal Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley, who was interested in the position, quickly tweeted his support for Grisham.
“Amazing announcement! So proud and blessed to have my good friend @StephGrisham45 working with our team. She is a rockstar and perfect to fill Sarah’s shoes!” Gidley wrote.
Mr. Trump announced Sanders would be vacating her position via tweet earlier this month.
“After 3 1/2 years, our wonderful Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be leaving the White House at the end of the month and going home to the Great State of Arkansas,” Mr. Trump wrote Thursday afternoon. “She is a very special person with extraordinary talents, who has done an incredible job! I hope she decides to run for Governor of Arkansas – she would be fantastic. Sarah, thank you for a job well done!”
Leave a Reply