White House Press Secretary Shake-Up: Stephanie Grisham’s Departure and Kayleigh McEnany’s Ascent

The White House communications landscape experienced a significant shift on April 7, 2020, with the announcement of Stephanie Grisham’s departure as White House Press Secretary. Her nine-month tenure was notable for an unprecedented lack of official press briefings, marking a distinct departure from traditional White House press operations. Following her exit, Kayleigh McEnany, a prominent figure in President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, was named as the new White House Press Secretary, signaling a new chapter for the administration’s public engagement strategy.

Grisham, who also served as White House Communications Director, did not hold a single formal press briefing during her time in the role. This decision to forgo regular briefings was a hallmark of her tenure, reflecting the Trump administration’s preference for alternative communication channels, primarily through the President’s direct statements and social media presence. Her return to the East Wing saw her take on a new and significant role as First Lady Melania Trump’s Chief of Staff, replacing Lindsay Reynolds, who had resigned the day prior.

The appointment of Kayleigh McEnany, 31, as Grisham’s successor immediately set a different tone. McEnany, a Harvard Law School graduate and a vocal defender of President Trump, had been serving as the national spokesperson for the Trump campaign. Known for her frequent appearances on television and her assertive communication style, her appointment suggested a move towards a more visible and proactive White House press secretary who would actively engage with the media. This shift was widely anticipated to bring back regular press briefings, a staple of previous administrations that had been sidelined during Grisham’s time.

Stephanie Grisham’s Unique and Unconventional Tenure

Stephanie Grisham’s nine months as White House Press Secretary were unlike any other in modern presidential history. Appointed in June 2019, she inherited the dual roles of Press Secretary and Communications Director from Sarah Huckabee Sanders. However, Grisham’s approach to the position quickly diverged from her predecessors. Instead of utilizing the traditional daily press briefings as a primary vehicle for disseminating information and answering questions from the press corps, Grisham chose to communicate primarily through official statements, interviews, and direct interactions with select journalists.

Her decision to eschew formal briefings in the White House briefing room drew both criticism and support. Critics argued that it undermined transparency and accountability, denying the public direct access to information and robust questioning of the administration. Supporters, on the other hand, contended that the press briefings had become theatrical and unproductive, and that the administration could more effectively convey its message through other means. Regardless of the viewpoint, Grisham’s tenure redefined the role of the White House Press Secretary in an era of rapidly evolving media consumption and political communication strategies.

Throughout this period, Grisham maintained a close working relationship with First Lady Melania Trump, continuing her role as the First Lady’s spokesperson – a unique arrangement that further distinguished her position. This dual responsibility highlighted Grisham’s deep ties to the Trump family and her trusted status within the administration, but it also raised questions about the bandwidth and focus required for the demanding role of White House Press Secretary.

From West Wing to East Wing: Grisham’s New Role

Upon her departure from the Press Secretary position, Stephanie Grisham transitioned back to the East Wing, taking on a critical new role as Chief of Staff to First Lady Melania Trump. This move was announced concurrently with her exit from the West Wing communications team, underscoring her continued importance within the broader Trump administration. Her appointment as the First Lady’s Chief of Staff followed the resignation of Lindsay Reynolds, who cited a desire to spend more time with her family.

First Lady Melania Trump expressed her enthusiasm for Grisham’s return, stating, “I am excited to welcome Stephanie back to the team in this new role. She has been a mainstay and true leader in the Administration from even before day one, and she will excel as Chief of Staff. I appreciate all that Lindsay Reynolds did over the past three years, and wish her well in her future endeavors.” This statement highlighted Grisham’s long-standing dedication and loyalty to the Trump family, attributes that positioned her for continued influence within their inner circle. Grisham herself affirmed her commitment, stating, “I continue to be honored to serve both the President and First Lady in the Administration. My replacements will be announced in the coming days and I will stay in the West Wing to help with a smooth transition for as long as needed.”

Kayleigh McEnany: A New Voice for the Trump Administration

Kayleigh McEnany’s appointment as the new White House Press Secretary marked a strategic pivot for the Trump administration’s communications. Known for her aggressive defense of President Trump across various media platforms, McEnany brought a different energy and a more confrontational style to the role. Her background as a former CNN commentator and national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, coupled with her role as the national press secretary for the Trump campaign, provided her with extensive experience in rapid response and direct engagement with the media.

McEnany’s selection was widely interpreted as a signal that the White House intended to re-engage directly and more frequently with the press corps, potentially bringing an end to the hiatus of formal briefings. Her track record suggested a press secretary who would not shy away from spirited exchanges or from pushing back against narratives critical of the administration. Her articulate and often forceful presentation style was seen as a deliberate choice to align the communications office more closely with President Trump’s own assertive public persona.

Stephanie Grisham’s Journey: From Campaign to White House

To fully understand Stephanie Grisham’s impact and unique trajectory within the Trump administration, it’s essential to look back at her career journey. When President Donald Trump initially named Grisham as his new press secretary in June 2019, replacing Sarah Huckabee Sanders, it was a significant promotion for someone who had already become a deeply embedded and trusted member of the Trump team. Grisham, then 42, had served as First Lady Melania Trump’s press representative since 2017. Her appointment was announced not through a formal White House statement, but via a tweet from the First Lady herself, highlighting Grisham’s close relationship with the family.

Melania Trump’s tweet read: “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.” This public endorsement underscored the trust placed in Grisham and her dual capacity to serve both the President and First Lady. Her journey to this prominent role was marked by several key professional experiences and an unwavering loyalty to the Trump campaign and administration.

A Long-Standing Member of the Trump Team

Stephanie Grisham held the distinction of being one of the longest-serving members of the Trump administration. Her involvement began in 2015 when she joined the Trump presidential campaign, taking an unpaid leave from her position at the Arizona State House of Representatives. As a crucial part of Trump’s Arizona team, she played a pivotal role in arranging and managing his campaign stops across the state and, subsequently, throughout the United States. Her early dedication during the formative stages of the campaign solidified her position within the President’s inner circle.

Following Trump’s election victory, Grisham transitioned into the White House, initially serving as a special adviser for operations and contributing to the presidential transition team. Her ascent continued when she became deputy to then-White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer in 2017. However, her deep connection with the First Lady soon led to her being “scooped up” by Melania Trump to become her spokesperson and press secretary, a role she would maintain even after becoming the White House Press Secretary.

Melania Trump’s Steadfast Spokesperson

A distinctive feature of Stephanie Grisham’s tenure as White House Press Secretary was her continued role as First Lady Melania Trump’s personal press representative. This decision by the First Lady to retain Grisham, rather than have her exclusively dedicate her time to the White House communications director position, underscored the unique trust and rapport between the two women. It also highlighted Grisham’s unprecedented position, balancing the demands of two high-profile communications roles simultaneously.

This dual responsibility meant that Grisham was not only tasked with speaking on behalf of the President but also managing the public image and communications for the First Lady’s initiatives, such as the “Be Best” campaign. This arrangement, while demonstrating her valued status, also contributed to the departure from traditional press secretary functions, as her time and focus were necessarily divided between the East and West Wings.

A Career Rooted in Communications and Politics

Prior to joining the Trump campaign in 2015, Stephanie Grisham had already established a robust career in communications and politics, primarily in Arizona. Her experience included serving as the spokeswoman for various prominent political figures and organizations. She worked as the spokesperson for Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne, for the Arizona House of Representatives Republican caucus, and for Arizona House Speaker David Gowan. These roles provided her with invaluable experience in managing public relations for political entities, handling media inquiries, and crafting strategic messages within a politically charged environment.

Grisham also gained national campaign experience during the 2012 presidential election, where she worked on Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. This exposure to high-stakes national politics further broadened her skill set. By the time she joined the Trump campaign, she was working as an independent contractor, bringing a wealth of diverse experience to her new role.

The Hatch Act Controversy

Stephanie Grisham’s career, like many in public service, was not without its controversies. Notably, she was accused of violating the Hatch Act, a federal law that prohibits executive branch employees from engaging in partisan political activities while on duty or in official capacities. The U.S. Office of the Special Counsel (OSC) stated that Grisham had indeed violated the Hatch Act following a specific incident on July 11, 2018.

The violation stemmed from a tweet Grisham posted from her official government account (@StephGrisham45), which included President Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again” (MAGA). Her tweet read: “Three years ago today I listened to my gut & joined the Trump team in #PHX … & life has never been the same. So proud to work for both @POTUS @realDonaldTrump & @FLOTUS #MAGA.” Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) lodged the complaint, drawing attention to the potential breach of federal regulations.

The OSC ultimately issued Grisham a warning letter, clarifying that while violating the Hatch Act is not a criminal offense, it is considered a serious workplace violation. The Hatch Act, originally established in 1939, is designed to ensure that federal employees working for the executive branch do not use their official positions to influence elections or engage in partisan political activities. This includes restrictions on tweeting, retweeting, sharing, or liking posts that solicit political contributions or promote partisan candidates, with the president and vice president being the only individuals exempted from its provisions. This incident served as a reminder of the strict ethical boundaries placed on federal employees in their public communications.

Succession Dynamics and President Trump’s Choice

The appointment of Stephanie Grisham as White House Press Secretary in June 2019 was also reportedly part of a nuanced internal dynamic within the Trump administration. According to sources familiar with the situation, outgoing Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was reportedly advocating for her deputy, Hogan Gidley, to be her successor. Interestingly, Grisham herself was also reported to have been pushing for Gidley to get the job, perhaps a testament to their professional camaraderie or a strategic move within the competitive environment of the West Wing.

However, the final decision rested with President Trump, who ultimately chose Grisham. It was widely understood that the President preferred someone from his inner circle for such a crucial communications role, prioritizing loyalty and a proven track record of working closely with his family. The reports suggested that Grisham was the President’s pick from the very beginning, indicating his trust in her capabilities and her deep understanding of the administration’s ethos. Despite any perceived internal preferences, Sarah Huckabee Sanders publicly expressed her support for Grisham’s appointment.

In a tweet on June 25, 2019, Sanders stated that Grisham “will be an incredible asset to the President and the country. I’m sad to leave the WH, but so happy to leave our team in such great hands. Stephanie will do a phenomenal job. Proud to have another mom and a great friend in this role.” This public endorsement helped to present a united front during the transition, despite any underlying political maneuvering.