US President Donald Trump sparked controversy with an unusual remark about White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt while returning to Washington from Mar-a-Lago on January 11.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during unexpected turbulence over the Atlantic coast, Trump said, “I’m looking for something to grab, and it’s not going to be Karoline.” Leavitt, standing beside the President, appeared startled and responded with laughter and surprise.
The comment came as Trump was asked about meeting Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado, who recently offered her prize to Trump after being ruled out of Venezuela’s opposition-led regime following Nicolás Maduro’s ouster.
Trump joked about reaching for something to hold onto during the bumpy flight, adding, “I think you did this to me. You put me in a position where there is nothing to grab. I’m looking for something to grab, and it’s not going to be Karoline.”
Donald Trump: I am looking for something to grab and it’s not going to be Karoline He really said this 😳 pic.twitter.com/mbba3h6sa7— Frontalforce 🇮🇳 (@FrontalForce) January 12, 2026
Meanwhile, Trump’s motorcade in Florida took an unusual route to Palm Beach International Airport due to the discovery of a “suspicious object,” according to the White House.
Leavitt stated that the object was found during routine security sweeps, prompting a change in the motorcade route. The President, when asked, claimed he knew nothing about the package.
This incident is the latest in a series of unconventional remarks Trump has made about Leavitt, whom he previously praised for having “lips that move like a machine gun.”
The comment drew widespread criticism online, with many calling it inappropriate and tasteless. “Karoline is smiling but she is scared of Trump, not sure what he may do,” noted one social media user, while another wrote, “Absolute clownism from him.”
Trump has a history of making eye-catching comments about women. At a recent Christmas reception, he compared a guest to his daughter Ivanka and even commented publicly on his wife Melania’s undergarments during a rally in North Carolina, saying, “Her undergarments, sometimes referred to as panties, are folded perfect, wrapped. They're, like, so perfect. I think that she steams them.”
Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida estate, has served as both his residence and a presidential retreat, often called the “Winter White House.” The President’s remarks have sparked debate over whether his humor crosses professional and personal boundaries, with critics saying such comments undermine the dignity of his office while supporters argue they reflect his candid and unconventional style.
The Air Force One exchange underscores Trump’s continued tendency to blend offbeat humor with public appearances, keeping both supporters and critics engaged and divided.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
