Former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham hit back at a comment about her appearance after giving a speech in support of Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night.
Right-wing activist Laura Loomer poste d on X after Grisham's speech, sharing an image of Grisham speaking and tagging the former Trump staffer, writing that she "really hit the wall."
"Another traitor who got rich off Donald Trump and then turned on him on J6," Loomer said, referring to Grisham's public resignation from the administration after the events of January 6.
Loomer went on to say that Grisham "must have gained about 75 pounds since she 'resigned.' ... That’s what happens when you hit the wall."
Grisham clapped back at the comments Wednesday morning, sharing the post with her added response, saying "I’ve actually hit menopause, which sucks a ton & yes it’s a weight struggle."
"Def not rich either," said added. "I run a non-profit animal sanctuary & could barely afford the blazer I wore tonight. BUT…I told the truth & plan to keep doing so."
Grisham has previously stated she was a "true believer" in the former president until January 6, 2021. She became the first senior staffer in the Trump Administration to resign after the insurrection at the United States Capitol Building. Loomer, meanwhile, is a former Infowars contributor and staunch Trump supporter who has received praise back from the former president .
Their back-and-forth turned heads as commenters praised Grisham for being open about menopause. The discourse also highlights how weight shaming impacts not only the person being targeted but anyone who sees the harmful comments.
Commenters praise Grisham for speaking on menopause
Menopause, which typically occurs in women aged between 45 and 55, often results in weight gain due to hormonal changes, a loss of muscle mass and slowing of the metabolism paired with genetic factors and other physical and lifestyle changes associated with aging, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Several women underneath Grisham's post sympathized with this reality.
"Yeah, I hit menopause and weight is a battle. I love that you are talking about menopause! We got your back," said one commenter.
"You and the blazer are beautiful, but your message and living your truth is the true beauty that shines through," praised another.
Others questioned why Loomer would comment on someone's appearance. "Laura…you know firsthand how much it hurts to be a woman attacked for her appearance, so why say this? Why try so hard to spackle over ugly, only to peel it off & reveal the truth?" one commenter said.
Why public weight comments are problematic
Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, regional medical director at the Eating Recovery Center, explained that commenting on someone's weight reinforces the belief that someone's appearance is the most important thing about them.
"These comments about how your body is acceptable or unacceptable, it reinforces again that you are not worth more than your body... and that you have to present yourself a certain way for the world to find you acceptable," she previously told USA TODAY. "It just reinforces that sort of superficial, body-focused idea that we know is so painful and harmful for every single one of us because we are so much more than this vessel that carries us."
Wassenaar added that comments about someone's body don't just impact that person, they impact "every single person that lives in a body."
Another problem with commenting on someone's looks is you "don't know what anyone's going through," Chelsea Kronengold, communications lead at the National Eating Disorders Association, previously told USA TODAY.
"Commenting on people's bodies and weights is completely inappropriate – you don't even know the intention behind it and what else is going on," she said.
Watch: Ex-Trump insider Stephanie Grisham goes after former boss in DNC speech
Contributing: Charles Trepany, Emily DeLetter, Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: After DNC speech, Stephanie Grisham hits back at weight-shaming comment: 'I've hit menopause'
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