Iran embassy claim links Leavitt exit to Trump decoy plane

Iran's embassy in South Africa has claimed that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt resigned because President Donald Trump left her on a decoy plane in Turkey. The embassy posted a photograph of Leavitt on X, celebrating her resignation and mocking Trump over the reported deception. The claim has spread online, with some users speculating Leavitt was among those aboard the aircraft used as a decoy.

The White House told Snopes the claim is false and that Leavitt was not on the trip. Forbes reports that Trump was secretly moved from the new Air Force One to a smaller plane in Ankara on July 8 after US intelligence identified a credible threat involving Iran. Officials, aides, and journalists remained on the original aircraft, which flew toward Britain. Trump later confirmed security concerns prompted the switch.

Leavitt announced her resignation on Wednesday, citing family reasons. She said she could not balance the demands of the job with caring for her two young children after returning from maternity leave. Trump said he understood her decision and that she would remain a close outside adviser. Leavitt is expected to leave the post at the end of August.