A video of just a few seconds sweeping social media became the spark for a whirlwind of commentary, completely altering the narrative surrounding the most high-profile departure from the White House... that of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who steps down at the end of August.
Thus, alongside the «decoy» incident involving Air Force One in Turkey and dismissal rumors over leaking military secrets regarding Patriot and THAAD batteries, a video emerges purporting to show friction with another close aide of the American President, Natalie Harp.
The video igniting social media
The catalyst for the surge in speculation was a clip circulating widely online, capturing an allegedly awkward moment in Donald Trump's immediate orbit.
In the footage, Karoline Leavitt appears opposite presidential aide Natalie Harp, who is seated next to the President.
The 28-year-old Press Secretary is seen conversing with her, crossing her arms, looking away, and making a gesture toward her.
The scene shows Karoline Leavitt in an apparently strained interaction with Donald Trump's close confidante, Natalie Harp.
Leavitt appears to fold her arms, avoid direct eye contact, and make an abrupt gesture while the American President sits right beside them.
These frames were instantly interpreted by thousands of social media users as proof of severe internal strife, especially as their release coincided with the announcement of her departure from the administration.
Is this an actual West Wing crisis, or a misinterpreted moment fueling conspiracy theories?
? BREAKING: Trump announced Karoline Leavitt's departure to "spend more time with family."
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) August 12, 2026
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? pic.twitter.com/jX4zrfIOnm
Body language analysis
Body language expert Judi James, commenting on the footage for Mirror US, dismantled claims of conflict, noting that camera angles significantly distort the perception of physical proximity and distance. In her assessment, Leavitt's micro-movements, such as pressed lips, rubbing her arm, and touching her shoulder, point toward physical exhaustion or bodily discomfort rather than hostility.
Meanwhile, Natalie Harp appears to smile and continue the conversation, while Donald Trump remains focused on a phone call, holding his hand near his ear.
The «decoy plane» scenario in Turkey
The spread of the video was linked by some commentators to an unusual security episode during Donald Trump's departure from Turkey.
According to a report by The Washington Post, the US President was secretly transferred to an alternative military aircraft amid intelligence warnings of an Iranian threat, while Air Force One proceeded along its flight path as a decoy target.
Because Natalie Harp was among the aides accompanying him on the alternative flight, rumors claimed Leavitt was left on the «at-risk» aircraft, supposedly triggering a rift with the White House inner circle.
Theory collapses due to absence
This specific scenario collides with an undeniable factual reality: Karoline Leavitt was not in Turkey during that period.
She was on maternity leave from late April until mid-July following the birth of her daughter, Viviana.
Consequently, she was aboard neither Air Force One nor the alternative transport, completely invalidating the claim that her resignation stemmed from the security operation.
The official reason: Family and motherhood
Karoline Leavitt, who at age 28 became the youngest White House Press Secretary in US history, announced she is stepping down at the end of August.
She described the decision as «bittersweet», explaining that her primary motive is dedicating more time to her family and her two young children, given the immense demands of the role in Washington.
Donald Trump confirmed this account, stating that Leavitt will continue collaborating with the administration as a top outside adviser.
Background regarding Patriot and THAAD leaks
Despite official statements, the timing fueled unverified claims.
Outlet Noor News, citing anonymous sources, claimed the departure was tied to an internal inquiry into classified military intelligence leaks, an allegation unconfirmed by any official US authority.
The claim references reports by CNN and The Wall Street Journal concerning the drawdown of US THAAD and Patriot missile interceptor stockpiles following operations involving Iran, which reportedly prompted Trump to order an inquiry into the source of the disclosures.
An open political question
Unsubstantiated rumors floated Leavitt's name as a potential conduit for these leaks to journalists, though no public evidence supports such a connection.
The departure of Karoline Leavitt remains a widely debated topic in Washington, oscillating between the official account of a mother prioritizing family and the speculation typical of West Wing transitions.
Potential replacements - Former advisers, journalists, attorneys, and administration officials under review
The reality remains: the announcement of Karoline Leavitt stepping down as White House Press Secretary caught even close colleagues off guard.
Despite lavish praise from Donald Trump, who hailed her as a «true leader in the White House» with «phenomenal work in the fight for justice and freedom», the succession remains open.
According to a report by Politico, leadership has not finalized a successor for the podium.
However, a shortlist of prospective candidates is already circulating in the President's orbit, comprising current and former aides, legal counsel, and prominent media figures.
The 6 top contenders for the position
Among the prominent names discussed within government circles are:
1) Monica Crowley: US Chief of Protocol with the rank of ambassador and former media commentator.
2) Scott Jennings: Well-known political analyst and CNN commentator with extensive media experience.
3) Jason Miller: Former Trump campaign spokesperson and senior communications strategist.
4) Alina Habba: Former attorney and counselor to Donald Trump, frequent television surrogate.
5) Anna Kelly: Deputy Press Secretary, possessing direct institutional knowledge of daily operations.
6) Katie Miller: Communications strategist, former spokesperson for Mike Pence, and spouse of Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Uncertainty over future press strategy
So far, White House officials have refrained from publicly signaling a frontrunner.
Concurrently, questions remain regarding how future press engagement will be structured, including the frequency of formal on-camera press briefings once the new spokesperson assumes the podium.
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