Tailgate retainer clip removal

[FlameOut]

I needed to replace a piece of dented trim on my tailgate, and I was able to remove the trim, but how do I get the clips out of the tailgate? The trim was dented because I had the clips in the trim itself then pushed the clips into the holes.

I thought about trying to somehow attach the new trim to the clips while they are in the tailgate, but that's not working out so well. Is there some trick to this? (Oh, and that's not bubbling paint in the photo, it's just some water or something from driving last night)

[FlameOut]

I was able to remove, and destroy them, buy pulling them out with needle nose pliers. My new trim just arrived, and lo and behold, it didn't come with new clips. I may see if I can get it mounted with double faced molding tape