On a bumpy Air Force One flight returning from Mar-a-Lago to Washington, D.C., Donald Trump quipped about needing to hold onto something—or someone—to keep from falling.
On Sunday, Trump was fielding questions from reporters aboard Air Force One when turbulence interrupted the session. He paused briefly, visibly struggling to maintain his balance during the rough ride.
The former president then turned to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, and made a playful comment about needing support to steady himself.
Leavitt, looking for a solution, scanned the cabin for something Trump could hold onto and eventually guided his hand toward a nearby curtain. The press pool did not dwell on the remark, shifting focus back to foreign policy questions. The moment, though fleeting, drew attention due to Trump’s characteristic humor.
“I’m looking for something to grab here. Because it’s going to get rough,” Trump said, blaming reporters for positioning him poorly, the Daily Mail reported.
“So I’m looking for something to grab. And it’s not going to be Karoline!” he added, drawing a smile from Leavitt as she redirected him to a curtain.
Supporters contend this lighthearted exchange highlights the rapport between Trump and his team, especially with Leavitt, who has earned consistent praise from the former president. Unlike predecessors like Sean Spicer, whose tenures were often marked by disorderly briefings, Leavitt’s time as press secretary stands out for its stability. Her role seems secure, with Trump hinting last October at her staying through his second term.
Leavitt, one of Trump’s longest-serving press secretaries, has become a familiar face in the administration. Last August, Trump lauded her quick wit and sharp delivery, cementing her status as a key player. Her personal life also recently made headlines, as she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 60, announced they’re expecting their second child.
This isn’t just about a funny moment on a plane—it’s a snapshot of a dynamic that resonates with many who value loyalty and personality over polished decorum. In an era where every word is dissected for hidden offense, Trump’s jests cut through the noise, for better or worse.
Trump’s history of “dad jokes” about Leavitt adds context to Sunday’s banter. These quips, while sometimes awkward to the overly sensitive, often reflect a camaraderie that’s rare in high-stakes politics. They’re a reminder that not every comment needs to be a policy statement.
Contrast this with the progressive push for sterile, overly cautious language in public life. The cultural obsession with policing humor risks stifling genuine human interaction, something Trump’s base often rails against. His style, rough edges and all, appeals to those tired of walking on eggshells.
Leavitt, for her part, handled the moment with grace, smiling and pivoting to a practical solution. Her ability to roll with the punches likely contributes to her staying power in a role that’s chewed up and spit out many before her.
Looking at the bigger picture, Leavitt’s tenure represents a stabilizing force in an often turbulent administration. While past press secretaries faced short, chaotic stints, she appears to be a fixture, with Trump signaling she’s not going anywhere. That consistency matters to those who value a steady hand at the podium.
Sunday’s flight, both literally and figuratively bumpy, encapsulates the unpredictable nature of Trump’s orbit. Yet, amidst the jolts, there’s a sense of familiarity and trust with figures like Leavitt. For many Americans weary of political correctness, these unscripted moments are a breath of fresh air, turbulence or not.
