Breaking News: Trump Publicly Snubs Karoline Leavitt: Handshake Rejection Sparks Online Frenzy…..Read More

Philadelphia, PA – March 22, 2025
A seemingly awkward moment between President Donald Trump and his White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has ignited a firestorm of speculation and commentary across social media and news outlets.

The incident occurred during Trump’s high-profile appearance at the NCAA Wrestling Championships at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, where he was caught on camera bypassing Leavitt’s outstretched hand, leaving the 27-year-old press secretary visibly overlooked amidst a series of enthusiastic greetings with other officials.

The Incident Unfolds
As Trump arrived at the event, flanked by prominent figures from his administration, he was greeted with the customary chants of “USA” from the crowd.

Video footage, widely circulated on platforms like X and YouTube, shows the president shaking hands with individuals such as Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick and U.S.

Representative Jim Jordan, a former NCAA wrestling champion.

However, when Trump reached Leavitt—who stood in line alongside other dignitaries—he appeared to move past her without acknowledging her attempt at a handshake, proceeding directly to the next person.

The moment, described by outlets like Times of India as having “set the internet ablaze,” quickly went viral.

Some interpreted it as an intentional snub, while others suggested it might have been an unintentional oversight in the excitement of the event.

Leavitt, for her part, appeared unfazed in the aftermath, later posting a playful photo of Trump “wrestling” on X with the caption, “Coolest. President. Ever.”—a move that suggested she was brushing off the incident.

Context of the Event
Trump’s attendance at the NCAA Wrestling Championships marked his first return to Pennsylvania since winning the state in the contentious 2024 presidential election.

Accompanied by notable figures like Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, the president was there to support collegiate wrestlers, a group he has long championed.

“I’ve always supported the wrestlers,” Trump told reporters the previous day, emphasizing his intent to cheer on “the great college wrestlers from the various schools.”

The event itself was a celebratory occasion, with Trump shaking hands with champions like Carter Starocci and engaging with the crowd. Yet, it was the interaction—or lack thereof—with Leavitt that stole the spotlight.

Who is Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Leavitt, at just 27 years old, holds the distinction of being the youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S.

history, a record previously set by Ronald Ziegler under Richard Nixon.

A staunch Trump loyalist, Leavitt’s career trajectory has been closely tied to the president.

She began as an intern in Trump’s first administration, later serving as an assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany.

After an unsuccessful congressional run in New Hampshire in 2022, she joined Trump’s 2024 campaign as national press secretary before assuming her current role in January 2025.

Known for her fierce defense of Trump, Leavitt has been a visible figure in his second term, navigating the White House press corps with a combative style reminiscent of her predecessors.

Her appointment was praised by Trump, who called her “smart, tough, and a highly effective communicator” when announcing her selection in November 2024.

Despite her prominence, this moment has raised questions about her standing within Trump’s inner circle.

Public and Media Reaction
The handshake rejection quickly became a trending topic online.

Posts on X ranged from humorous takes to pointed criticism.

One user remarked, “In the grander scheme for @realDonaldTrump
, she’s a nobody,” while another speculated, “Probably did not recognize her! Reports out that other staff had that happen.

Dementia!” Others tied it to broader narratives, with a post stating, “WELL SHES A WOMAN…,” hinting at perceived gender dynamics.

Mainstream media outlets offered varied interpretations. The Irish Star noted that Trump “seemingly snubbed” Leavitt, emphasizing the visual of him walking “right past her.”

Times of India posed the question, “Was it an intentional snub or just an awkward moment?” Meanwhile, conservative-leaning commentators downplayed the incident, suggesting it was a non-story amplified by Trump’s detractors.

Leavitt’s own response—or lack of one addressing the snub directly—has fueled further debate.

Her X post focusing on Trump’s charisma at the event could be seen as an attempt to redirect attention, though it did little to quell the online chatter.

What Does It Mean?
Analysts are divided on the significance of the moment.

For some, it’s a trivial blip in Trump’s public persona, a man known for both his gregariousness and occasional aloofness.

Others see it as a potential signal of tension or indifference toward Leavitt, who, despite her rapid rise, remains a relatively junior figure in Trump’s orbit compared to seasoned allies like Musk or Jordan.

Trump’s history with his press secretaries offers some context.

During his first term, he cycled through four—Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham, and Kayleigh McEnany—often overshadowing them with his own media engagements.

Leavitt, while a trusted communicator, may face similar dynamics, with this incident highlighting the challenges of navigating Trump’s unpredictable style.

Broader Implications
As of March 24, 2025, the White House has not officially commented on the incident, and it remains unclear whether it will impact Leavitt’s role.

Her tenure has already been marked by bold moves, such as opening the briefing room to “new media” voices like podcasters and influencers, reflecting Trump’s strategy to bypass traditional outlets.

Yet, this public moment underscores the scrutiny she faces as a young, high-profile appointee in a volatile administration.

For now, the handshake snub stands as a viral footnote in Trump’s second term—a fleeting but telling glimpse into the dynamics of loyalty, recognition, and power within his team.

Whether it was a deliberate rejection or a simple oversight, it has cemented Leavitt’s name in the headlines, for better or worse, as she continues to represent the administration on the national stage.