US3 min(s) read
Published 15:40 13 Aug 2026 GMT
Footage of Karoline Leavitt has resurfaced, just hours after she announced her resignation as White House Press Secretary.
The 28-year-old could be seen in a heated exchange with Donald Trump and his executive assistant, Natalie Harp, in the viral clip.
Leavitt confirmed that she was officially leaving her post at the end of August, explaining in a statement that she can't fulfill her duties as a mom while working as part of the Trump administration.
The president confirmed her departure in a Truth Social post, saying she was 'one of my most trusted aides', explaining that the decision was about family.
Theories have started to circulate despite Trump's words, with many believing that the US leader's decision to secretly exit a decoy plane to board Air Force One in Turkey last month was the last straw.
But now, others believe that tensions started to rise before this unfolded.
The fiery clip shows Leavitt in a heated exchange with Trump and his political aide, as speculation has started to build that this may have contributed to her departure.
One user posted the clip to X, noting: "In a LEAKED video from last night, she looks visibly isolated during a tense Marine One exchange with Trump and another woman. Hours later, she's out. Is the WH covering up something?"
Leavitt can be seen with her arms crossed, sitting across from Harp and Trump, while speaking to the former before yawning and pointing in her direction.
Both women could be seen glancing at their phones during the exchange, leaving the contents of the conversation completely up for discussion.
Another user noted: "A tense exchange between Karoline Leavitt and Natalie Harp and Donald Trump on Marine One last night. Today, Karoline Leavitt was fired."
Marine One is the call sign of any United States Marine Corps aircraft carrying the US President.
A third speculated: "Karoline Leavitt seen looking visibly worried. Unaware the camera is recording. She urgently gets on her phone after the signal. Then today she is out. What is really happening?"
It has not been confirmed whether this conversation contributed to Leavitt's decision, which she said was due to wanting to spend more time with family.
Trump took to Truth Social to confirm Leavitt's decision, penning: "Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!"
He also added that she was 'one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office'.
Leavitt posted her own statement on X shortly after Trump's announcement. It was longer and more personal than anything she has shared publicly since taking the job.
The Press Secretary added: "The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary - and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life."
