Stephanie Grisham, former aide to Melania Trump, has expressed strong reservations about the timing of the former first lady’s jewelry line launch. Grisham, who served as both the first lady’s aide and the Trump White House press secretary, questioned the appropriateness of promoting jewelry sales while Donald Trump’s criminal trial is underway.
In an interview with “Erin Burnett OutFront” on Monday, Grisham stated, “I try not to laugh at the thought that she would be raising money for his defense.” She firmly denied the possibility that the proceeds from the jewelry sales would be used to cover Trump’s legal expenses.
The launch of a $245 “Her Love & Gratitude” necklace was announced by Trump’s office on Sunday, ahead of Mother’s Day next month. According to Trump’s statement, the jewelry sale was intended to “express immense gratitude and honor all mothers.”
However, Grisham, who has become a critic of the former president since leaving the White House, denounced her former boss’s decision. She asserted, “She’s doing it for herself.” Grisham expressed that if she had been advising Melania Trump, she would have strongly discouraged the launch, particularly considering the timing coinciding with the first day of Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York City.
Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Grisham further suggested that a portion of the sales proceeds could have been directed towards charitable efforts, such as Alzheimer’s or cancer research, especially in light of the recent passing of Melania Trump’s mother, Amalija Knavs, in January.
Grisham lamented, “But instead, it just says, ‘Here you go. Buy this for $245.'” She emphasized the missed opportunity to align the jewelry launch with a charitable cause, which would have resonated more positively with the public.
