Trump jokes about 'grabbing' press aide during Air Force One turbulence
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt listens as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with members of the media aboard Air Force One en route from Florida to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., January 11, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
President Trump sparked fresh controversy Sunday when, amid turbulence on Air Force One, he joked to reporters that he was “looking for something to grab” and quipped it “wasn’t going to be Karoline,” referring to his 28-year-old press secretary — a remark critics called bizarre and inappropriate as he deflected questions about policy while airborne. Trump’s off-hand comment, delivered with a smile as the jet shook on the return flight from Mar-a-Lago, adds to a string of awkward public remarks about his press aide that have drawn raised eyebrows and online reaction.
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Trump jokes about 'grabbing' press aide during Air Force One turbulence Trump jokes about 'grabbing' press aide during Air Force One turbulence