After less than a year serving as the press secretary for the White House, Stephanie Grisham has stepped down from that position. She will be replaced by vocal President Donald Trump defender Kayleigh McEnany.
NBC News reported that Grisham's departure comes after President Donald Trump's new chief of staff, Mark Meadows, is reorganizing the West Wing crew. McEnany, a campaign spokeswoman who formerly served as a political commentator and CNN contributor, has spoken openly on behalf of the president, according to The New York Times.
Grisham will move to the East Wing, serving as first lady Melania Trump's new chief of staff, according to the initial report from CNN. She previously served in the East Wing as the first lady's communications director.
“I continue to be honored to serve both the president and first lady in the administration,” Grisham said in the statement to NBC News. “... I will stay in the West Wing to help with a smooth transition for as long as needed.”
Stephanie Grisham is leaving her role as the White House Press Secretary and becoming the chief of staff to First Lady Melania Trump.
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) April 7, 2020
Grisham never held a single White House briefing.
Here's the White House's official announcement. pic.twitter.com/eDuzwd34hY
Grisham had not formally briefed the press in her nine months as White House press secretary. In recent months, she has been noticeably absent as the White House Coronavirus Task Force and lead administration members have interfaced with the media about the coronavirus crisis.
Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have most often fielded the mounting questions about the handling, response time and medical necessities states require as the coronavirus has led to a staggering death toll across the country.
Grisham’s departure marks a trend of high turnover in the role. Grisham took on the media liaison duties for the White House in July 2019 shortly after Sarah Sanders, who had faced much criticism, ended her reign as press secretary. Prior to Sanders taking the position, the controversial Sean Spicer took on the first several months of leading communications for the White House.
The first lady released a statement to to the media Tuesday about Grisham’s return to her team.
“I am excited to welcome Stephanie back to the team in this new role,” the first lady said in a statement. “She has been a mainstay and true leader in the administration from even before day one, and I know she will excel as chief of staff.”
