“Former supporters of Trump reveal their decision to vote for Harris, citing a lack of empathy and moral values in their previous choice.”

On August 20, 2024, during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham took the stage. She, along with two other Republicans, explained their reasons for distancing themselves from Donald Trump and encouraged fellow Republicans to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election.

Grisham shared her experiences working closely with Trump, revealing that he often ridiculed his supporters in private, referring to them as “basement dwellers.” She criticized Trump for his lack of empathy, morals, and honesty, recounting how he would tell her to repeat falsehoods until people believed them. Despite once being a staunch supporter and advisor, Grisham resigned from her role as First Lady Melania Trump’s chief of staff on January 6, 2021, following the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Grisham expressed her support for Harris, stating that her decision was driven by her love for the country over party loyalty. She praised Harris for her honesty and respect for the American people. Reflecting on her time as press secretary, Grisham admitted she avoided holding White House briefings because she did not want to lie to the public, unlike her former boss.

In response to Grisham’s speech, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung highlighted a critical post by senior Trump advisor Jason Miller, who claimed Grisham’s speech was poorly delivered.

Following Grisham, former Trump supporter Kyle Sweetser also spoke. Sweetser, who had voted for Trump three times, explained that he initially supported Trump for his promises to help blue-collar workers. However, he became disillusioned as Trump’s tariff policies led to increased costs in his construction work, realizing that Trump was more interested in personal gain. Sweetser, who does not identify as left-wing, emphasized the need for leaders who inspire the best in people, declaring his support for Harris.

Additionally, John Giles, the mayor of Mesa, Arizona, and a lifelong Republican, addressed the convention. Giles, who had recently endorsed Harris, urged Americans in the political center to move beyond the remnants of John McCain’s Republican Party and prioritize the country over party allegiance.