At some point the media needs to come to terms with it's participation in Trump's farcical treatment of their profession. Personally I think a WH Press boycott is long overdue, but who will notice?
Only 3-4% of the American public has bothered to read The Mueller Report. As most Venezuelans understand well now "you get the democracy you deserve".
Well perhaps we (America, Americans and the world) deserve Trump.
On a side note how does a 3rd DUI get ignored?
76
It sounds like Ms. Grisham is someone who is evolving, as we all do. Why not give her some credit and allow her to grow into someone who is ready to hold this responsible position.
None of you who are criticizing her, are perfect.
You aren't born ready to be White House communications director, it is something you become.
So many people are ready to ridicule when they, themselves, are not qualified to do the job of the person they're attacking.
8
You almost get the sense that Mr. Trump likes hiring people that have something he can hold over them.
74
'...embrace his unorthodox style' is a polite way of saying 'unqualified'.
53
Grisham seems over-qualified for this administration.
Surely, they can find someone worse.
91
Grisham seems perfectly qualified to work for Trump. She's worked for sleazy, corrupt politicians, been fired from a previous job for plagiarism and, based on the "Be Best" debacle, has no sense of irony.
125
"Only the best people". And the crimes continue.
61
There's much more to those days at the Az House.
32
This woman was responsible for the 'I really don't cxare, do u', Melanie coat thing. Great work Ms Grisham, passive agressive visit to children, is par for this tone-deaf White House. Then we have Melanie holding an orphaned child for a photo-op wilst the Trump thing grins like the maniac he is.
Never miind, I am sure you are in line for a job with Fox propaganda, along with your lying predecessor.
119
Just another lackey in the zoo of hate.
73
"cheating on expense reports, a later job loss over plagiarism charges and two arrests for driving under the influence." With this resume Ms. Grisham would have trouble finding gainful employment in any place other than the White House. No doubt she's in line for a cabinet position down the road.
95
So, Grisham is just another hack. No surprise here. I wonder if shes the one who brought the idea of pulling credentials to the Trump house.
It will be a dark day when journalism is prevented from uncovering truth by statements like "you're overreaching in your capacity as a journalist." Oh wait, we're already there. Maybe journalists should dig deeper...
38
What about Stephanie Grisham's lie that she personally witnessed Trump predicting Brexit the day before the vote?
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-claims-he-was-in-scotland-the-day-before-brexit-vote-the-evidence-says-otherwise-c129ac7d8621/
Trump's own words:
“I was cutting a ribbon for the opening of Turnberry — you know they totally did a whole renovation, it is beautiful — the day before the Brexit vote,” Trump said. “I said, ‘Brexit will happen.’ The vote is going to go positive, because people don’t want to be faced with the horrible immigration problems that they are being faced with in other countries.”
Although the ribbon cutting was the day AFTER Brexit, June 24, Stephanie Grisham backed him up, tweeting:
"He did. It actually is true. I was there. June 23."
Jon Sopel of the BBC called her out on her lie, to which she tweeted:
"Nope. I have photos. I also have a newspaper from the morning after Brexit. I remember sitting in a pub the night before, watching the results come in."
An easily provable lie, she never produced photos, but like SHS before her, lying is the cudgel in her tool belt that assured she'd land her current job.
Though there's no assurance she'll keep it. Keeping track of lies is way more difficult than telling the truth.
59
No wonder Melania chose her. Plagiarism is their common bond.
92
Oh great, just what we needed: a female Sean Spicer. After all what quality is needed to be the president's press secretary other than the ability to say "keep going" when people are tired.
The greatest limbo dancer in the world could not wiggle under the low bar that has been set by this administration.
46
"cheating on expense reports, a later job loss over plagiarism charges and two arrests for driving under the influence"
..... and she can glower just as good as Sarah Huckabee Sanders !
Hire that miscreant !
49
She appears to be a jinx. I'm good with that.
23
To get to her present position, she had to prove how corrupted, incompetent and how well she could lie and demean others.
Just another loser working for the biggest loser of all, Donald Trump.
64
Be Worst.
46
BE BEST
7
Grisham is fully qualified to be a part of this administration of crooks, liars and grifters. She will fit in perfectly.
60
Vote people. Please vote.
57
Loyalty has most often been seen as a positive quality, but like most things closely associated with Trump, even a personal quality—as loyalty—has taken on sinister and cynical meanings. Those loyal to Trump appear to be willing to do anything to stay in the boss’s good graces, even if it means running the country into the ground. Grisham arrived at the WH, tainted; then in her job with the First Lady, resorted to her old trick of plagiarism. Knowing that Michelle Obama’s speech at the nominating convention had not derailed the Trump campaign, Grisham took another page from the Obama resource well and create Be Best. One big difference, however: the Obama material was always written in a grammatically correct way.
29
Taxpayers are again paying for another press secretary that is in essence a “no show” job. The formal, professional White House press briefings have been replaced by the sideshow, Trump reality TV pressers in the driveway. We do not see the press or hear the questions as Trump uses his bully pulpit to answer what he wishes, pontificates at length, insults a variety of people, and lies unchallenged.
I wish the MSM would just refuse to show up and be part of this circus.
37
The trump family consists of a group of classless, tasteless, raw people. Some might have a pretty face, nonetheless, empty through and through. What sorts would work with them?
25
Besides the loss of two jobs one for cooking the books another for plagiarism and don’t forget 2 DUIs. That’s not her worst history that would be her tenure in the Republican political sewer of the state of Arizona. Nothing but the best of the best for trump.
27
Trump’s best and brightest... for now.
10
- She is (currently) slimmer than her predecessor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders;
- She is better looking, and probably younger, than Melania Trump, and definitely better looking than Mnuchin & Co.;
- She has lied before, so she will need no additional training;
- She has been fired several times already, for good reasons, so being fired for no apparent reason will not be too hard on her.
She was chosen by the Chosen One. What more could you want?
16
Great story. Single mother..hasn't had an easy road. her perseverance and Trump recognizing it gave her incredible opportunity and responsibility.
3
@Lane She hasn’t had an easy road because she has been driving drunk (and you get can your bottom dollar that if she was caught twice, she drove drunk a lot).
42
Two scofflaws in a pod, Lane.
What could be finer !
16
I’ve always had a picture of the moon and it would always sit right in front of my desk. Whenever I was having a hard day I could look at it and remember what my goal was. Of course, I'm 66 years old and never had any qualifications to go to the moon. But you should believe in your dreams. But a president of the US should have better options - like those with actual accomplishments - not just dreams.
17
So after Ms. Grisham was fired from two jobs for being a cheat and a liar ...
“Ms. Grisham shifted toward politics, working from 2008 to mid-2010 as a spokeswoman for the Arizona Charter Schools Association and in 2011 as a spokeswoman for Tom Horne, Arizona’s attorney general.”
She IS the perfect person for her current role.
20
I give Stephanie...5 months.
14
Why would a professional administration EVER hire a press secretary who doesn’t have the slightest idea of what true journalism is? Just another example of hiring the “best people.” Uh huh.
18
Plagiarism, twice?
Easy transition. If Uncle Joe gets in, she could just stay on.
2
She looks like an undertaker from the old horror movies
17
Scary. Looking. Elvira meets Wicked Witch, but without the PR skills of Elvira nor the driving record of the Witch. And neither of them are sycophants.
15
From the way Trump talks and acts it’s easy to see why vacancies and turnover in the cabinet and the higher reaches of our federal bureaucracy are higher than they have ever been before.
What decent person would ever want to go to a ballgame with him, introduce him to their daughter, go into business with him or lend him money.
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/10/19/record-setting-white-house-staff-turnover-continues-with-news-of-counsels-departure/
10
Only the best people.
13
Like Pence and all of Trump’s other unlikely inner circle, lots of time on your knees is how you get in his good graces.
18
We're entitled to know the White House press secretary is a sycophant with weak qualifications, a checkered record of integrity, and zero concern for the public interest. But it would be way bigger news if it were otherwise.
17
The Trump administration couldn't find anyone better than her? Second, third, or fourth chances are fine, but what about those who have great qualifications and are overlooked. It's really sad for so many of our younger people with all the credentials and who would do a great job. How discouraging it is for them.
8
@Mike
"Younger people with all the credentials" might not want to ruin their reputation by working for Donald Trump.
16
Of course Ms. Grisham is utterly unqualified for the job of Press Secretary to the President of the United States.
But that position in the Trump administration is already filled - by Trump himself. Trump is his own Press Secretary - firing off Twitter tantrums on the flimsiest of whims and abusing the groveling press corp above the near-deafening din of his Marine One helicopter whenever it suits him.
According to the WaPo, Trump hasn't held a bona fide press conference in 917 days. And before her departure, Sarah Huckabee Sanders conducted press briefings less than once a month (which many found once a month too many).
So you see, Ms. Grisham doesn't need to be "qualified" to hold the title of Press Secretary in this administration. Her job is just to hold the title - not perform any duties.
Nice work if you can get it.
21
@Dave
And according to Trump, the WaPo yesterday's MLB scores are "fake news." So who ya gonna believe? The divine chosen one or that revolutionary lefty Jeff Bezos?
4
Only the best and the brightest! Another swamp creature! You know, come to think of it, maybe President Trump should have a hiring booth, at his rallies?!
21
I get a kick out of how a case of serious mental imbalance is now referred to as a "style". Who knew.
30
No comment.
7
“I’ve always had a picture of the White House and it would always sit right in front of my desk”
This is yet another person who has no personal ideals, but wishes only to sit near to the seat of power. She will be at home in this White House.
Personal ideals are more complicated, like protecting the environment, or standing up for democracy.
This is yet another person who has no personal ideals, but wishes only to sit near to the seat of power.
Sad.
16
She appears to be a perfect fit for the President. An enforcer to ensure that no one contradicts Mr. Trump’s tweets.
4
....cheating on expense reports, a later job loss over plagiarism charges and two arrests for driving under the influence, the second while working on Mr. Trump’s campaign.....
Why those are exactly why she is the most qualified for a position in the Trump White House.
14
Wow. This can't come as a surprise to anyone who's been paying attention. The only requirement for serving Criminal Trump is extreme personal loyalty and a willingness to lie for him. Competence, relevant experience, honesty, character, etc., have no place in this republican administration. In the real world her multiple DUI's would prohibit her from driving a company car. Makes me proud to be an American.
16
In 2018, she plagiarized a pamphlet from 2009 for safe online practices?! That alone is concerning.
21
I feel so sorry for people whose aim is to just inhabit a house. “I’ve always had a picture of the White House and it would always sit right in front of my desk”. “Whenever I was having a hard day I could look at it and remember what my goal was.” Especially, when they seem not to mind who has the keys to that house. Be it Romney or Trump or anyone else. And proud of such a career as many self-identifying servants who will become turncoats whenever the wind changes.
4
Season 32 DWTS--Can't Wait
8
Is it enough proof of ineptitude to simply agree to work for the Donald? That alone marks one with a stain of immorality.
15
To serve and protect the public interest: a noble responsibility for a press spokesperson. Loyalty is one attribute of a press secretary but allegiance to our Constitution and U.S. law is another, more important one. Apparently, Ms. Grisham knows on which side her bread is buttered. She seems to play it cool and cautious, probably hoping to serve the president until the end of his term. She is in an unenviable job. Does loyalty include covering up for the president? Does it include trying to explain his manic outbursts? There probably is no explanation. She may keep mum as the tragedy in the Oval Office continues to spill out onto the carpet.
7
Given Grisham's "checkered" personal and work history, involving some serious ethical lapses, what level of security clearance does she presently possess in uniquely serving both Trump and his wife in an important dual capacity? Considering this Administration's irresponsible history of blatantly disregarding established vetting procedures governing the issuance of White House security clearances, this is an issue that deserves some investigative reporting by this newspaper.
23
Talk about an uncanny ability to fall upwards.
11
The cesspool of grifters, cheats, and liars in the the White House derives from the foul waste of the Trump organization. The only difference is that one set goes to jail and the other to well-paid perches on Fox News.
Hope lies in the next generation who will vote for the first time in 2020 and are fearless, unlike the spineless cowards in the GOP.
11
But, she’s fun.
5
“Ms. Grisham, who repeatedly declined to respond to questions for this article, keeps a low public profile in Washington.”
As long as she’s not some sort of press secretary, she should be fine wait a minute...
10
A morally compromised Boss Person will always hire a tarnished soul. The latter will do anything to survive and take a bullet, real or metaphoric.
8
Good grief. The kakistocracy continues, and never fails to amuse, dismay, and disappoint.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakistocracy
6
Not every trump alumni can go to work at faux news; can they?
5
Let me get this straight...
First lady Melania, who was caught plagiarizing Michele Obama's speech during the Republican National Convention, then issues a booklet produced during Obama's Presidency called “Talking With Kids About Being Online” but claims it is part of her brand new "Be Best" program.
When confronted, Melania's "stellar" Communications Director, Grisham who has actually been fired from a previous job for....you guessed it, plagiarism...has the unmitigated gall to admonished the news media for reporting on these plagiarism claims.
And Trump beams "She's learned very well"?
27
Pulse? Check. Respiration? Check. Upright? Check. Lacks ethical behavior? Check. Liar? Check. A perfect employee for Trump World executive track.
21
Another example of Trumpkins "being best."
6
BRING OBAMA BACK!
13
Is it any wonder that thus is the most dysfunctional, inept, and horrifying administration in memory. It’s no wonder that it’s riches to rags in 2.5 years - all the gains after the Great Recession wiped out by one inept, conceited, and ignorant group of people. What does it say that their only career options are Dancing with the Stars and Fox “News” - from one reality TV show to the next!!
25
Blame their enablers—the republicans. And v o t e.
18
We used to have sane and respectful press briefings on a daily basis. From Spicer to Sanders and now a woman who could not secure a credible job if she bribed her way in, it is a constant stream of incompetence, lies and racist rants.
These people have debased every corner of Washington; and considering its swampy nature that was and is a whole lotta low.
Does anyone even remember what “normal” looks like anymore?
28
“I hire nothing but the best people”
Oh please when will this end?
15
Perfectly unqualified!
14
This may seem churlish. but here goes. In a picture standing beside Mr. Bolton she appears to be wearing a cocktail dress with bright red shoes. The shoes are ok but the dress??
Kelly Anne Conway always appears so professional when you see her.
1
What else is new? Grisham like all of the other Trump sycophants know from where their bread is being buttered. That does not mean they don't believe in Trump's maniacal attempts at leadership. Therein lies the problem. Number 2 gets you Number 1. All of those who can be and are participants in Trump's court have similar deficits to offer. You have to kow-tow to Trump to make it. Then you make it until he breaks it (it being you). Its not "turbulance." It's crabs in a barrel.
6
How much lies her brain can absorb until she needs psychotropics to get her sanity back? Good luck.
1
Carnival of souls.
6
What a sordid tale.
9
Quite Severe Looking--Known for recounting "This was my first execution, and I was surprised at how peaceful it was"-- at the execution of double-murderer Joseph Rudolph Wood ---took nearly two hours to kill him and left him snorting and gasping for breath.
7
Stephanie who???? The woman has no presence whatsoever. And anyone who worked on the grammatically-challenged “Be Best” faux project for the faux FLOTUS should not be allowed anywhere near the press. Worthless hire.
19
Your standards are too high. Give it a rest.
@Maxy
Gosh darnit, Maxy! The American People deserve something better than a pathological liar, every now and then.
5
A black man or woman wouldn’t have been able to get a job at Jiffy Lube with this kind of rap sheet, and yet this white woman was able to ascend to the White House and land one of the more coveted jobs in the land. All without a college degree to boot.
Evidentiary piece:
#4436553557653746463646576455 in the state v white privilege deniers
32
Trump must be losing his vision, as it seems clear he cannot read, and perhaps can no longer truly understand or articulate ordinary English language. That seems true for both written work (can’t really read, and certainly cannot write) and spoken language. Not sure whether these disabilities are related to vision or incipient dementia (or both).
Might she, therefore, be in a position to try to understand the administration’s odd or inconsistent policies in a way that can overcome Trump’s growing communication challenges ( except, of course, to Trumpists who cannot recognize the slow deterioration of his mental and physical capacities)?
5
Any one of those infractions for a civil servant would have been grounds to withhold security clearance. In this administration, it means full access to the Oval Office.
19
All the best people...I am speechless once again.
5
Another victim of this presidency and the prior Trump Press Secretaries: it is no longer true that WH Press Secretary is “one of the most prestigious roles in American politics”.
5
@Todd Hess
Well. Neither Spicer nor Huckleberry did the prestigue of the office any favors. Both were surly, often verbally attacking members of the press corps for either asking reasonable questions or reacting to obvious lies.
Sarah frequently appeared on the verge of rushing forward to bite journalists she particularly disliked.
Pierre Sallinger! Come in, Pierre!
7
Considering Trump has made the office of press secretary completely meaningless, preferring to just directly wing it with the press as he walks to his helicopter....
It really does not matter who holds the office. It serves no purpose under Trump and has no actual function other then to pull whatever press credentials the man in the orange suit is bent out of shape about on any given day.
11
The White House of Donald Trump has never had a real press secretary and will never have one. As long as there is some individual who is chosen to fill such a White House job slot, never exercising any independent thought, totally under the thumb of Donald Trump and being paid to do nothing, then the title of such office should be changed to White House Propaganda Secretary to more accurately reflect such position.
11
Hmm, the "loyalty" promotion of his staff has not worked out so well, has it? My goodness Trump has lost so many so called friends he trusted to assign WH staff positions has he not?
4
I’m a criminal defense lawyer. The most dangerous people I represent are repeat drunk drivers.
14
I can hardly wait to listen to Grisham's press conferences.
Oh, wait. Never mind.
5
A degree in journalism might increase the possibility Ms Grisham is a success in her job. Actually a degree in anything might give us some sense of her interests other than being a spokesperson. Her Wikipedia bio is appallingly sparse.
6
Why do NYT writers persist in downplaying Trump's behavior with sooth-sounding verbiage? "Trump's *tendency* to reward loyalty..."
How about just telling the truth; that is, Donald Trump has not appointed anyone without the prerequisite of being; a donor, a lobbyist, ethically challenged, a liar, someone with a criminal background, or a consummate lackey?
19
Wow. She really has the perfect qualifications for this job in this administration!
6
I am just glad the president has hired like minded people.He just trying to MAGA.
Unbelievable. The part that most saddened me was her Orwellian take on the death of the prisoner that went horribly wrong.
It also sounds if she needs some help. She should not be working in this position if she has not been sober for several years otherwise she is a huge security risk.
10
Hoping the next President investigates if she actually did sufficient work to justify her taxpayer paid salary, and criminal charges if necessary.
6
Arrests? Plagiarism? She's perfect!
56
Is there anyone in this administration that isn't a criminal?
41
@Anna
Mike Pence. He’s a mannequin, not a criminal. Trump got him on sale after Mannequin Pence was erroneously left soaking in dishwater for more than a year following a freak head-dying incident at Sam’s House of Slacks in Terre Haute.
Haven’t you noticed that the (non-criminal) VP is always propped against the scenery when he’s positioned behind the president as a warning against impeachment?
Not-a-criminal Pence is a credit to a shaky administration.
14
I don't what to say about a world where I kinda miss Sean Spicer!
16
Questionable resume or no resume works for this administration. Only requisite is that one highly excel at deflection and be a figurative human battering ram.
Integrity not a consideration.
Grisham checks all the boxes.
You're hired!
22
I certainly would NOT hire her for even one of those reasons - and I'll bet there are many more.
We live in a country governed by puerile children, liars and incompetents and our White House has become a day care center for an incontinent sociopath who can't even remember what day of the week it is.
We need a massive overhaul, and we need it NOW.
27
Who knew lying, plagiarizing, and breaking the law were the pathway to getting a job in the White House? Oh yeah, all Americans do now that Trump sits in the Oval Office. Is there one honest person with integrity associated with the Trump administration? If so, that would be truly newsworthy.
32
She meets Trump criteria of a "nasty woman" if she was disloyal.
6
Who needs experience or qualifications to work for this "air head". This a major factor for the zoo that is the white house and the rotten state this country finds itself in.
12
It still seems like Peter Sellers time, so perhaps another of his quotes is in order.
"Finally, in conclusion, let me say just this."
Seriously there's nothing else to say about the incompetence.
12
I am sure that there are many liberals out there who are guilty of the same things for which they find fault in Ms. Grishman. As far as I am concerned she is an excellent choice, and loyalty is an important qualification. I support the President. I support Trump. America first, not last as before. MAGA! KAG! Thank you.
5
CSA, perhaps Dum Donald’s next speech will be pulled directly from Jefferson Davis’s farewell address.
70
@Southern Boy
I support the president. I support trump.
I thought trump is the president?
Thank you.
14
@Southern Boy
"I am sure that there are many liberals out there who are guilty of the same things for which they find fault in Ms. Grishman. "
So what does that have to do with this story?
40
The press need to stop televising his ‘Chopper Talk’ sessions. A week of him not being on air, other than Fox, will drive him crazy and mean proper press briefings might return. He can’t bear not being on the TV. This is why there are no briefings because they take the limelight away from him.
34
She fits into the Trump White House perfectly — ethical lapses and willing to do all possible to limit journalists’ access and making it harder for the public to get the true facts about the administration.
40
She will go far. Probably the next Secretary Of State.
34
“Acting “ Secretary of State
12
“Colleagues say that on the campaign and in the White House, Ms. Grisham has been a coolheaded, encouraging presence. “When we were tired, she’d tell us, ‘Keep going,’” said Hannah Salem, a White House aide. ‘She was one of our biggest cheerleaders on the road.’”
She has two DUIs. Even I act like a coolheaded cheerleader when I’m drunk.
34
@Frank
She’s probably slightly more sober than John Kelly, and certainly more sober than her boss, so she gets a pass for that drunken thing./s
1
"Her career history contains red flags that most administrations might deem troubling. They include losing a private-sector job after being accused of cheating on expense reports, a later job loss over plagiarism charges and two arrests for driving under the influence, the second while working on Mr. Trump’s campaign."
These qualifications might not be right for liaising between the White House and the Fourth Estate but she would have easily been elected Sweetheart of Delta in "Animal House".
13
I remember watching news clips of Ms. Grisham body checking North Korean secret service agents, literally shoving them out of the way, so the U.S. reporters could enter the press room. That is some kind of job commitment.
10
@Chatte Cannelle The only reason she was so concerned about “access” is because she wanted press coverage of Trump and Kim. Period.
8
@Chatte Cannelle
It gives me a glimmer of hope amidst all this bleakness … maybe she'll go along next time to North Korea, and tick off the wrong people, and the North Koreans will keep both her and her boss, permanently.
4
Trump nominates people who are loyal with flawed pasts because they are easier to control.
This is just corruption, again.
39
Maybe not (just) corruption, but rather the threat of blackmail. What might we not (yet) know about her??!!
7
I've never heard of a woman with multiple DUI's. Plenty of men, but no women that I recall.
Only the best, of course.
39
It appears Ms Grisham fits right in. SAD!
25
The "easy money" job at the WH. Why is this position even necessary, if there are no more WH press briefings? Cut this wasted expense!
32
Miss Grisham sounds totally qualified to work an administration that resembles the keystone cops.
Former press secretary Scaramucci , in a recent interview said trump had the self worth of a small pigeon.
A very small pigeon.
39
@King Philip, His majesty
It’s ironic that there may well be even more reasons to pity Trump, than there are valid reasons to remove him from office.
When the Scaramucci comment about Donald Trump’s incredibly low self-esteem is coupled with observation of the president’s transparent attempts to hide his lack of self-worth behind outrageous arrogance, the pair is truly pathetic.
I’ve read many generalizations accusing liberals/Democrats of “hating” Donald Trump. It seems to me, my conversations with folks on the left point to many more Dems pitying Trump as a man trapped in job for which he’s hopelessly unqualified, than who say that they despise him.
Trump is just a terrible, terrible president. However, he’s also a human being, a terribly flawed human being.
6
You forgot to add
Terrible human being.
10
@Tom W
No. He's a flawed President, and a terrible human being. For sure.
9
Just another member of this "administration" I'm grateful not to know personally.
21
Depending on the employer, role and time between incidents this could still get you into some well paying or even prestigious positions. This assumes you were honest in your interview and it’s communicated this something entirely left in your past.
Don’t get me wrong driving under the influence shows poor judgement along with theft but these aren’t unforgivable. The only thing you would never be able achieve is a executive or C-Level.
But what’s sadly hilarious is employers (including the government) still won’t look at candidates who’ve used marijuana even in the past decade.
Lastly, while I can’t stand this administration Obama himself admitted to using Cocaine and Marijuana. And I’d prefer politicians come from the real world not some pious make believe perfect human fantasy land. I have way more respect for those that admit and reflect on their mistakes than those who haven’t even made any at all.
5
What make you think she has reflected on her past arrests? 2 DUI’s? Bad judgement indeed—proof: she’s willing to work for Trump!
3
Does Ms. Grisham have a college degree? Her educational history is a blank after high school It seems quite unusual to be White House press secretary with no higher education. Perhaps a degree in communication or journalism would have improved her ethical approach to her job. But then she probably would not have been given it...
53
@Alison Fulmer
College is overrated.
4
How is it that this one woman is allowed (seemingly indefinitely) to simultaneously hold multiple taxpayer-funded positions?
49
Trump Administration hiring guidelines Only ethically challenged need apply
37
At least we now have a clue about the origins of Melania’s plagiarism.
128
Before I read the article, I was going to say that she would live to regret her decision to work at the Trump White House. But it looks as though she's right at home there.
55
The 'Best People', 'Be Best', 'Big Lie'.
27
Stephanie Grisham is the bright new face of the GOP party. Just a lackey with no qualifications and no ethics, but who is fiercely loyal to "Dear Leader." However, Stephanie Grisham should remember that Donald Trump has NO loyalty to someone like her and it's only a matter of time before he throws her under the bus.
75
@Son Of Liberty
Just when you think Criminal Trump cannot lower the hiring bar any further, he still manages to do it. Expense fraud, plagiarism, multiple DUIs... She has all the qualifications to be a republican senator.
15
The new press secretary can relax about holding press briefings. The President is too much in love with his own voice against the backdrop of the whirling sounds of Marine 1's blades. He likes the manly optics of the press corps straining to get their microphones past the security lines as the wood-woop of the blades intensify. Then a quick retreat to his ride, contemplating the grin duties that lay ahead of him. Lift off, next stop, New Jersey.
Press Secretary Grisham won't be out front much. She will be less inclined to find herself running into at least one of her past difficulties. She'll have a DD available 24/7.
9
“losing a private-sector job after being accused of cheating on expense reports, a later job loss over plagiarism charges and two arrests for driving under the influence”
She will fit right into this administration of liars and cheats
31
So: She's a thief (DJT is too and approves of that). A plagiariser (Melania is too and digs that). She's got several DUIs (most Republicans also have them and approve of that). She's a natural.
34
Perfect! The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Completely unsuitable, unemployable in the private sector due to lies, cheating, unprofessional behavior - so naturally she’s a shoe-in for the trump swamp. Sarah Huckabee Sander’s simpatico sister from another mother...
25
Blind loyalty was all she needed to appeal to Trump, but it was perhaps her qualification in “plagiarism” which endeared her to Melania.
22
What if the press stopped showing up for “chopper talk”?
79
THIS x 10000
11
When you apply for an entry level job in any government agency ( City, State and Federal) you are required to provide at least three references, go through a thorough background check, drug testing , bio-metrics. Why does the same not apply to White House? Why are there different set of rules ? Are WH employees not considered government employees? Aren't they being paid with taxpayers money?
26
The Press should refuse to record sound when cameras attend the helo-blade briefings.
Cameras only - no questions, no sound recording.
Demand that regular briefings resume.
13
Having a troubled past is the feature, not the bug, in this administration. Past "issues" usually are indicative of future "issues". Those with any "issues" are easily leveraged, thus perfect candidates to serve a dictator, saying whatever needs to be said or doing whatever the dictator wants.
6
Wow. Had no idea. I'm surprised she managed to get other jobs after the fraud and plagiarism. Don't employers check backgrounds any more? I'm talking charter schools, Mitt Romney, the Arizona AG?
23
She certainly demonstrated her ability to Be Best!
17
A thief and cheat with a serious drinking problem, not my idea of the “best people”, more the best swamp dweller, whom I would never hire.
20
Be best!
5
Cool. Another unqualified hack with the usual extreme economy concerning facts and the truth shilling for the King of Greenland.
20
Only two questions needed for hiring with this abhorrent administration. "How well can you lie?" and "How soon can you start?"
880
@DSW The best succinct response of the night! Txs!
40
She seems nice.
8
@Moira I remember hearing that Adolf Hitler could be quite charming. These days it seems that you have to do a computer check on people to see what they are really like. I miss the old days.
4
Does everyone hires by this administration have to be corrupt, unqualified, incompetent and mean?
43
In a word, yes.
25
@Deirdre
It helps, but they can also train you.
15
A liar and a cheat with a drinking problem? Trump really has a gift for finding the best people.
88
Ahhhhh...the "best" people.
9
I trust nothing from someone willing to support this bald-faced liar and cheat, Donald J. Trump.
12
Another less than qualified sycophant...what a refreshing surprise!
15
Oh nice! A liar, cheat and drunk. Be best indeed
14
C. J. Cregg she's not.
8
I've hired people in a long media career.
Ms. Grisham would definitely ....as the article says.... have some "red flags" for her fitness in even a lower level media job.
And yet she is now in a very high level media job.
How is this going to work?
12
I don’t think you should publish the fact that she has two sons and their ages. It seems as if you want them to be targeted.
3
@Deborah Anderson Her sons were discussed and shown in a previous Fox video interview, so"no" NYT is not targeting them. See: https://heavy.com/news/2019/06/stephanie-grisham-family-children-kids/
9
Her career history contains red flags that most administrations might deem troubling. They include losing a private-sector job after being accused of cheating on expense reports, a later job loss over plagiarism charges and two arrests for driving under the influence, the second while working on Mr. Trump’s campaign.
With a resume like that, Ms. Grisham's sycophantic tendencies should be rewarded with a cabinet post or to be named Trump's next Chief of Staff.
517
@Blackstone: Maybe Vice President. See, Trump is no mysoginist.
33
@Blackstone Cheating on expense reports? Someone was already trying to get rid of her at that job. You can find almost everyone has discrepancies on expense reports. You just have to dig.
Ask Jim Herrick (UCLA).
4
@Blackstone
Plagiarism is a requirement in the WH. They have no new ideas, just very bad old ones that never worked. Besides, Mrs. "Be Best" showed her intelligence and Trumpism early on when she plagiarized Michelle Obama's speech.
I wonder what sort of miscreant their son will be, given two such honest and brilliant parents. No hypocrisy there!
66
She and several such people will hold high positions in the next Trump administrator. Better get used to the new realities and treat them with respect.
Yeah, about that second administrator: Jonathan Stickland, your state representative, perhaps?
1
Such a sad story. One more addition of a person with questionable ethics to the long list of iffy White House hires. I feel particularly sorry for her kids. Mom with alcohol problems and poor work record doesn't bode well for her children.
16
"Her career history contains red flags that most administrations might deem troubling. They include losing a private-sector job after being accused of cheating on expense reports, a later job loss over plagiarism charges and two arrests for driving under the influence, the second while working on Mr. Trump’s campaign."
Uh, most administrations? Try most employers. Not saying people don't deserve a second chance, but that's a lot of baggage.
705
She wouldn’t have passed a background check at ANY of the Fortune 100 companies I’ve worked for...yet her salary is funded with my tax dollars. Unbelievable!
258
Those so-called red flags are all plusses for this administration.
75
She wouldn't qualify on many levels for the top secret security clearance she surely has.
And this from the administration that campaigned on HRC's email server?
108
She and her predecessor are sterling examples of the saying “You get the face you deserve.” What strikingly miserable and joyless liars they are. But anyone who would take the job of defending our perfidious president has to be completely immoral.
112
"I'll only hire the best people," Trump told us. Another lie, another broken promise, another sign of his unfitness for office.
49
@Barbara - well, you could say they are the "best" for him and his administration. Very fitting qualifications for t-team.
2
Given the blurb under the article title mentioning loyalty over experience, I was surprised to see that Ms. Grisham does, in fact, have relatively relevant experience. Not first choice material in a job that should have national media expertise but she also wasn't the wife of a contributor whose only experience was editing a newsletter for her real estate office. The Times should be careful to always be accurate. Make no mistake, I think Ms. Grisham is as bad or potentially worse than her predecessors given her documented propensity to ignoring laws and rules of conduct but those are not dis-qualifiers in this administration. A few years ago she would have been seen as clearly and totally out of her league but standards in the current WH have nosedived. That is not a good thing but it is the reality.
158
@JohnFred
I was a little surprised when Ms Grisham was named White House Employee of the Month after only 7 days on the job. It turns out she had no violated her probation so there was cause to celebrate!
23
Her background makes her sound perfect for a job that requires telling so many lies that if she was Pinnochio, her nose would reach California.
31
Peter Drucker, the management guru wrote: "People of integrity don't ask who is right, but what is right". In Trump world people are only concerned about Trump being right. Given Trump's track record...it would appear the people around Trump lack integrity.
35
" she occupies one of the most prestigious roles in American politics"
She only "occupies" a role rather than performs the role. Just like her boss.
152
The wording is good journalism.
8
In a way I feel sorry for her because the job of WH Press Secy seemingly has no more duties.
I guess this is par for the Trumpo course of hiring sycophants for his administration with no particular qualifications for doing their job.
She’ll eventually leave, reputation even more damaged than it already is.
Perhaps there’s a place for her in some future season of Dancing with the Stars...
27
Not only has the swamp never been drained, but the stench of our democracy rotting away is attracting all sorts of vultures.
Ms. Grisham is just the latest model, a notch more desperate, a smidge less respectful to the press, a bit more desperate to keep her job. She'll do for now, but in time, she'll be swept away too, and someone with even sharper teeth and a nose that can withstand the smell of rotten trash will take her place.
18
it's a hopeless job for anyone who possesses an ounce of integrity.
34
Always remember this adage when considering administration appointments: Everything Trump touches dies.
Remember Rachel Maddow's famous "wall" listing just the names and titles of Trump appointees who had quit, been fired or been indicted? Within months after she started it, it became so large she had to abandon it. It wouldn't fit on the screen.
Everything Trump touches dies.
You might add another: Vetting is for losers!
50
Trump's "best people" just keep getting better all the time.
12
They are not, however, getting hotter. That streak came to an end when Hope Hicks walked. And that's what keeps him up at night: He's not the man he claimed to be and perhaps even was once, and he's terrified of what will happen when the base finds out.
4
I just thought she was kind of obnoxious when she was a Melania Trump's spokesperson. I didn't know how morally compromised she was as well. While that would make her an excellent fit for this administration I still can't get used to this, shall we say questionable ethics, as being the status quo. Falsifying both what you write and the travel records that are submitted for compensation is beyond the pale. Makes me wonder if she advised Melania on her Michelle Obama speech
Sad!
61
@FerCry'nTears
Good question.
6
@FerCry'nTears: As I read the article it was Grisham who plagiarized the Obama speech.
8
@jmm_55
I thought it was plagiarizing the Be Best program. I bet it was both!
2
Another winner in the West Wing...plagiarism, DUI. Nice.
45
@Lee Downie Don’t forget fraud- that’s what falsifying expense reports really is.
15
@Lee Downie you forgot cheating on expense reports...yet another person of integrity rises from the swamp
9
@Concordata
Arrgh! Sorry 'bout that! Too ealy in the morning for me.
5
I didn't know there was a new secretary. I don't recall her ever giving a briefing or doing anything else press secretary related. Seems like she has no intention of starting now.
35
Does the job of White House press secretary even exist anymore as anything but a figurehead position? Has there even been a single press conference since Grisham has "taken charge?" It seems that these days, Trump only "speaks" spontaneously, in front of a helicopter without any plan or input from anyone else. What does ne need anymore with a press secretary, which would imply that there is something coherent and thought about to convey.
296
@Ellen The WH needs someone to clean up all the rhetorical messes POTUS leaves behind on an hourly basis.
24
@Carol:
unfortunately, this potus leaves a LOT
more than just rhetorical messes.
imo, the threats of
- yet another war being started by the US and
- a trillion-dollar budget deficit are still looming.
22
@Ellen
Of the legitimate press would just refuse, en masse, to succumb to his helicopter blithering, that would force the Dotard to give formal briefings or get ZERO coverage (except for Trump TV - and they're useless anyway).
Remember, you diligent reporters and faithful of the Fourth Estate, WE OWN TRUMP, and WE should be able to make him do what WE want and not be led around by slime like Miller and McConnell. Let's teach him what WE expect from the White House before we summarily eject him in cuffs.
38
Sterling resumé...
30
Why are taxpayers responsible for paying her salary (how much is it with expenses?) when she doesn't even do press briefings. If he prefers to to hold his own helicopter stand-up then take her off the payroll. Or perhaps he/Trump Org. should be paying her as his personal PR rep instead.
He's already driven the country into an all-time debt, this might be one small way to save. (As well as cutting down on weekly trips to golf clubs...double the $$$ when Melania travels separately.)
And why all the pricey NYC security, including shutting down part of 56th Street, when he's not at Trump Tower. Just put a guard outside his apt door. Not to mention details for kids, grands, and ALL their multiple homes.
ENOUGH of this whole silly, costly, and dangerous charade!!!
139
Another ice queen with no conscience willing to lie to help destroy the planet whose reality republicans deny.
24
Could the WH press corps take one or two opportunities to boycott this ridiculous ritual of “Chopper talk”?? Deprive Trump of the oxygen this supplies. We readers certainly do not need a daily litany of foolish baloney from DJT. He might starve for the lack of attention. And make some changes.....
170
@John Foley Recently saw the chopper talks described as Trump treating the press like cats chasing a laser pointer.
18
Why are we taxpayers paying this woman a handsome salary, the trump WH doesn't conduct press briefings. Trump conducts his 60 second oral tweets in front of the WH and alwys with helicopters running in the background so as to drown out any reporter. President Nasty hates most of us.
60
"In the nearly two months since Ms. Grisham was named to her current role, she has not held a single on-camera briefing."
Her key attribute of being "loyal" to the mendacity, racism and general insanity, demonstrated by the vulgarian squatting in the White House, will not serve her well long-term. Spicer and Sanders are now punchlines, have shredded any credibility that they might have once had and deserve their rightful place in the hall of national disasters. Grisham is well on her way to joining them. Good luck to the USA.
24
Twice divorced and twice DWI'd. That's the career fast-track in DJT's WH.
115
Stephanie who ? Trump has a press secretary? Is she in the witness protection program ?
52
On another related topic: how much does it cost us (40+ minutes of running helicopter) for the resident to confine press to “chopper talk”?
34
Trump's own favorite adjectives do it: sad, hugely failing, wonderfully incredible...
11
You forgot nasty.
7
The press approved of her literally shoving aside North Korean guards to get a photo op? That was one of the crudest moments of this presidency, which is saying quite a lot.
38
"Ms. Grisham intends to remain a behind-the-scenes player" But will pose for "look how cool we are" photos while our Military stand at attention,
75
Executive selection and retention continues to be the most troublesome deficit in Citizen Trump's skillset. But given his other issues, it's obvious he needs a ready bunch of heads to take the fall.
10
The only qualifications to work for this admin are: incompetence and/or nationalism.
19
@AMN
Thought it was loyalty
and don't cough!
10
“Riding it til the money runs out” should be the motto for Trump’s re-election campaign.
373
Not surprised that someone with so little qualification would be head of communications for this administration. Not shocked at the charges of plagiarism or theft either. Laughable that she is "spokesperson" for the first lady. That should take 2 seconds of every day (exactly what has the first lady done?) . She's nothing but another member of the mob doing what the don directs.
196
For Trump, competence is never on the table in choosing employees. It's always about "how loyal to me will you be?" The bar is now so low that we are not shocked that someone accused of plagiarism and with DUI's on her record is at the head of the class. The "stable genius" has a miserable record on choosing "the best people" given the high turnover around the bully-in-chief.
43
Isn't it time that journalists push back against the Stephanie Grishams of this White House?
Huckabee Sanders was a scold, sarcastic, and withholding; Grisham not only has been cited for plagiarism pre-Trump but in the Be Best rollout for Melania Trump. And now, like SHS, she shirks the official duty of Press Secretary.
This article is illuminating for what it says and what it doesn't say--that the press will "accept" the nonsense so-called briefings that Trump gives them going to and fro from an airplane or helicopter. What he gives them is spin, not news. And Grisham is the latest enabler.
Just another sorry example of the tail wagging the dog.
528
Since they can't push back at press conferences I don't know what they can do that's more effective than publishing articles such as this one. It was very informative and in many ways did not paint a rosy picture of her.
56
@Darrell Agreed the article is informative. But as I wrote, the article is also important for what it doesn't say, namely that in the absence of proper WH briefings run by the Press Sec'y, the press is now in the position of having to gather the crumbs that Trump deliberately tosses. He edits his "news" to them. That is a direct result of SHS and of Grisham not having press briefings. Who gets shortchanged? You, me, and the rest of the citizenry.
66
@Ruth Peltason
Just the fact . that Ms. Grisham participated in the non-grammatical "Be Best" slogan should be disqualifying.
Chosen only because Michelle Obama used "Better" and they wanted to outdo her but as FOTUS struggles with English, someone should have alerted her...isn't that part of the job of her "Director of Communications"?
89
"Only the best people" continues to be the ultimate in dark humor.
Jesus, these people....
337
@Robo
I love the way Americans think... especially Times readers: "...the ultimate in dark humor." Priceless.
8
So in short, another incompetent, unqualified, corrupt sycophant who does not do her job or serve the American people. Got it.
634
@Juniper
Well said, but she is doing her job perfectly. Spouting Administration propaganda and disinformation ceaselessly and remorselessly, attacking anyone who questions or disagrees, and never ever conceding one inch. In short, the perfect right-wing mouthpiece.
50
Her job is to hide the deterioration. And it's getting harder by the day.
42
@Juniper
Don't forget - we pay her for it.
41
Her bio and resume make her a perfect candidate for the Trump administration.
232
Many good people have said that Trump is a virulent misogynist and sexual predator, but such a view is only supportable by looking at decades of statements and actions by Trump with regard to women. The reality is that Trump LOVES women - as long as they are subservient, deferential, compliant, remain completely in the background, speak only when spoken to, and do whatever he wants them to do precisely when he wants them to do it.
327
@Jason Shapiro: And as long as they aren’t nasty.
34
@Jason Shapiro The reality is Trump is a misogynist because women must be: subservient, deferential, compliant, remain completely in the background, speak only when spoken to, and do whatever he wants them to do precisely when he wants them to do it. Nothings in other words. Easily disposal, easily replaceable.
7
@Jason Shapiro
He tends to want them tall and well shaped....not fat...he is focused on their physical appearance it seems.
13
Perfectly qualified for Trump's needs: cheater, plagiarist, and arrested twice on felony-worthy crimes.
509
@Bill Wilkerson
They are the Dream Team. Both completely out of their depth. They deserve each other. How long shall we give her ? I am sure there is a need for "spending more time with my family/dog/cat" etc in the not too distant future. She is already doomed by having this job on her resume anyway.
30
It seems the only "qualification" required to be in Donald's WH is to be a submissive subordinate, another piece of a jigsaw puzzle that ends with a picture of himself looking back at himself, reassuring himself he's as great as he's always thought he's been.
103
Is there NO one from Trump's administration who has a shred of respect from our citizens? Our air, water and soil is threatened. Our financial industry is getting free rein to cause another collapse. Corporations are told they don't have to pay their fair share of taxes. Big Pharma is still playing fast and loose with high prices, Mass murder is still being aided and abetted by gun makers. Our independent Federal Reserve is threatened daily. Our allies are bullied daily. Pandora's box has been opened and Republicans, Trump and Russia have emerged.
162