Former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham recounted in her 2021 memoir, "I'll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw in the Trump White House," an incident where then-President Donald Trump allegedly expressed inappropriate interest in a young female press staffer. Grisham detailed her efforts to protect the unnamed aide, stating she "tried to ensure she was never alone with Trump." The allegations surfaced as part of Grisham's tell-all account of her time serving in the Trump administration.
Grisham, who also served as Chief of Staff to First Lady Melania Trump, wrote that she "began to notice that Trump was taking interest in a young, highly attractive press wrangler." She further claimed that on one occasion, Trump had one of her deputies bring the staffer back to his cabin on Air Force One, explicitly stating, "Let's bring her up here and look at her ass." Grisham indicated that following this incident, she actively sought to keep the staffer off future trips.
The book, published in October 2021, provided an insider's perspective on the Trump White House, drawing significant attention for its critical portrayal of the former president and his inner circle. Trump vehemently denied Grisham's claims, dismissing her as "very angry and bitter" and accusing her of writing "bad and untrue things" for financial gain. He stated that Grisham "didn't have what it takes" for her role.
Grisham's revelations added to a series of public accusations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior against Donald Trump, which have spanned decades. These allegations, including those from other former staffers and public figures, have often been met with denials from Trump and his legal team. The former press secretary's account underscores the challenges and concerns faced by some female staff members within the administration.
The publication of "I'll Take Your Questions Now" contributed to a broader public discourse surrounding accountability and conduct in high office. Grisham resigned from her position following the January 6th Capitol riot, citing her disillusionment with the administration. Her book remains a notable record of her experiences and observations during her tenure.