Karoline Leavitt briefly returned to the podium at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas but was momentarily left in the dark when the spotlight failed to come on. After technicians corrected the lighting, she delivered a short speech praising the administration's achievements and urging support for GOP candidates. Leavitt left the White House at the end of August to spend time with her family; no permanent successor has been named. The convention featured President Trump's controversial $5,000 "Trump Dividend" pledge and saw mixed attendance amid complaints about high ticket prices.
Karoline Leavitt Returns to Podium — Briefly Left in the Dark at GOP Midterm Convention
President Donald Trump's former press secretary Karoline Leavitt has stepped back behind a podium, but was literally left in the dark as she began her speech at the GOP's unusual midterm convention (PBS News)
Karoline Leavitt, who served as President Donald Trump's White House press secretary, returned to the stage Thursday night at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas — but was briefly left in the dark when the spotlight failed to illuminate her as she began speaking.
Leavitt walked on after a highlight reel of her exchanges with reporters. For several seconds only a silhouette appeared behind the lectern before technicians corrected the lighting and she stepped into the light, smiling as the crowd cheered.
"It feels good to be back behind a podium," she told the audience. "It feels much better speaking to a stadium full of patriots than a briefing room full of journalists." In a short speech, Leavitt praised the Trump administration's record, citing efforts to shore up the southern border and a major tax bill, and called working for Mr. Trump the "honor of a lifetime."
Leavitt left the White House at the end of August to spend more time with her young family (Getty Images)
Leavitt left the White House at the end of August to spend more time with her young family; her departure followed a return from maternity leave after the birth of her second child in May. The administration has not announced a permanent successor — reported possibilities include Scott Jennings and White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly — while Vice President J.D. Vance filled in for a White House briefing on September 3.
The two-day convention in Dallas featured appearances by President Trump, Vice President Vance and other administration figures and was intended to rally support for Republican candidates ahead of the midterms. Attendance was mixed: several GOP lawmakers and candidates cited prior commitments or criticized steep ticket prices, which media reports say rose into the five-figure range.
On the convention's opening night Mr. Trump proposed a $5,000 "Trump Dividend" for each American adult if voters help keep Republicans in power. He returned to close the convention Thursday by leading attendees in a pledge to vote that ended with "So help me God," and later quipped, "You know what happens if you don't vote — you go to hell," drawing laughter from the crowd.
The brief lighting mishap added an awkward visual moment to Leavitt's return but did not prevent her from delivering a concise appeal for turnout and support for Republican candidates.
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