Trumps new press secretary was arrested for DUI while working on the 2016 campaign during her roc

Publish date: 2024-09-14

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White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham had a "turbulent ascent" to her current role, according to a New York Times report, which included two arrests for driving under the influence — one of which while working for Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. 

She was arrested for driving under the influence, speeding, and driving with an invalid license in 2013, according to the report, and the charges were later reduced to reckless driving. Grisham was also arrested for driving under the influence in December 2015, ultimately pleading guilty. She paid a fine and was ordered by the court into a treatment program. 

Grisham told the Times she "complied with all sanctions and disclosed both episodes to the White House."

Grisham entered the political world by way of Arizona, working as a spokesperson for the attorney general in the state as well as Republicans in the state legislature. She also worked as a press aide on Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign for president. 

Read more: 21 people who have gone through the revolving door between Fox and the Trump administration

Prior to that, she worked for the AAA auto club in Arizona as well as the ad agency Mindspace. 

Grisham reportedly left AAA after facing allegations of filing false claims for travel and other expenses and lost the job at Mindspace for plagiarism.

A spokesperson for AAA declined to discuss personnel matters with the Times, and the founder of the ad agency confirmed Grisham was a former employee but would not elaborate on the circumstances of her departure. 

Grisham did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider. 

Here's a brief summary of Grisham's experience in the political world: 

Grisham is a fierce defender of the Trumps, but also represents a break from the traditional mold of her prestigious role in the White House. 

Grisham hasn't held an on-camera briefing since taking over in early July and does not appear particularly interested in engaging with members of the press. 

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