Former Trump press secretary and other Republicans speaking at Democratic National Convention this week

Former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham will be taking the stage at the Democratic National Convention this week to express her support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Grisham, who served in various roles within the Trump administration, including as press secretary, before resigning following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, is urging fellow Republicans to unite against the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House.

In a surprising turn of events, Grisham stated, “I never thought I’d be speaking at a Democratic convention. But, after seeing firsthand who Donald Trump really is, and the threat he poses to our country, I feel very strongly about speaking out.”

Despite not aligning on all issues with Harris, Grisham expressed her pride in supporting her presidential bid, emphasizing that Harris will defend freedoms and lead the nation with honesty and integrity. This development was first reported by NBC News.

Grisham is not the only former Trump official speaking at the convention. Olivia Troye, a former national security advisor under the Trump administration, is also scheduled to address audiences in the upcoming days, according to a Harris campaign official speaking to CBS News. Joining them will be other notable Republicans, including Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona; former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan; and former Rep. Adam Kinzinger.

Specifically, Kinzinger stated his intention to speak on Thursday. The convention’s first night featured testimonials from Republicans who had previously supported Trump but have now pledged their support to Harris. Austin Weatherford, the Republican engagement director for the Harris-Walz campaign, highlighted that the programming represents the latest effort by the campaign to connect with anti-Trump Republicans.

The Harris-Walz campaign initiated outreach to Republicans disheartened by Trump earlier this month after President Biden endorsed Harris and transitioned his support. Previously, the Biden campaign had expanded its efforts to attract supporters of former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and moderate Republicans. This included the appointment of Weatherford, who had served as the longtime chief of staff to Kinzinger.