Former US President Donald Trump’s light-hearted remark about Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during Air Force One turbulence has triggered widespread reactions on social media. Read the full story.
Washington: Former US President Donald Trump once again found himself in the spotlight, not for politics but for an unscripted moment that quickly grabbed public attention. While returning from Florida to Washington aboard Air Force One, the aircraft encountered sudden turbulence as it crossed the Atlantic coast. Trump was addressing members of the press when the plane jolted, forcing him to grab the seat handle for balance.
During that moment, Trump joked that he was “looking for something to hold on to” before adding, “Don’t worry — it won’t be Karoline,” referring to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who was standing right behind him. The unexpected remark drew laughter from reporters and even from Leavitt herself, but within minutes, the clip began circulating widely on social media.
The turbulence occurred as Air Force One was flying back from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida to Washington. Reporters on board said the aircraft shook noticeably while Trump was in the middle of his conversation with the media. His quick-witted comment, meant to lighten the situation, turned into one of the most talked-about moments of the day.
Karoline Leavitt, known for her calm and confident presence at the White House podium, appeared relaxed and unfazed by the joke. She was seen smiling as Trump made the remark, signaling that she took it in good humor. Leavitt has often been praised for her sharp communication style, something Trump himself has acknowledged in past public appearances.
The same day also saw heightened security around the former president. Trump’s motorcade in Florida was briefly diverted after a suspicious object was discovered near Palm Beach International Airport. According to the White House, the item was detected during routine security screening before Trump’s arrival, prompting officials to change the route of the convoy as a precaution.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi later said the alternate route was taken purely for safety reasons and followed standard protocol. Trump, when asked about the incident, said he was not aware of any specific details related to the object.
This is not the first time Trump has made headlines for casual or humorous remarks about his press secretary. In a previous appearance, he had described Leavitt’s fast-paced speaking style by saying her words “fire out like a machine gun,” calling her energetic and highly effective. Such comments, though often intended playfully, frequently trigger public debate and online reactions.
As clips from Air Force One spread across platforms, social media users were quick to respond. Some described the moment as classic Trump humor, while others felt it crossed the line of professionalism. Still, the brief exchange once again showed how Trump’s unscripted style continues to dominate news cycles and capture public attention worldwide.