Trump campaign spox Kayleigh McEnany replaces Grisham as White House press secretary with 'focus on defending the president on television'

On Tuesday morning, CNN reported that White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham was leaving her position and would be once again working for First Lady Melania Trump. And a replacement has been announced: Kayleigh McEnany, who is part of President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign.

The 31-year-old McEnany was hired to replace Grisham by Tea Party favorite and former Rep. Mark Meadows, who is now White House chief of staff. Grisham will become Melania Trump’s new chief of staff, replacing Lindsay Reynolds.

Alyssa Farah, a  former U.S. defense Department spokesperson who also worked for Vice President Mike Pence, will also be joining the White House’s press staff.

According to New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, “It is unclear whether Ms. McEnany will revive the traditional role of a White House press secretary — answering questions from reporters in a daily briefing. Mr. Meadows wants her to focus on defending the president on television, according to people familiar with the move.

Grisham’s departure came as a surprise, as she has been a staunch Trump loyalist — exactly the type of person who is likely to remain in his administration rather than fired or forced out. But according to Haberman’s sources, Grisham “clashed” with Meadows.

Grisham, In June 2019, left her position as Melania Trump’s press secretary and replaced former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders (daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee).