Karoline Leavitt in Donald Trump’s phone number joke as she announces ‘my last gaggle’ | World | News

Karoline Leavitt joked about several members of the press having the mobile phone number of Donald Trump after the US President spoke to several news outlets in recent days. The heavily pregnant press secretary is expected to give birth to her second child next week, according to a White House official.

Speaking to the press for what is likely the last time before giving birth she said: “I know all of you have the president’s phone number personally, so I have no doubt that you will have a shortage of statements and news from this building while I’m gone.” She added: “This will likely be my last gaggle for some time.” “As you can see, I’m about ready to have a baby any minute, so I’ll see you guys very soon.”

Since the start of the war in late February, President Trump has reportedly picked up the phone to more than 30 journalists, including the BBC.

There have been regular social media posts boasting “exclusive” interviews with the US president. According to The Times, his personal number has become widely circulated among journalists and political figures in Washington, making it surprisingly easy for reporters to call him directly, and he often answers, offering off-the-cuff comments that can quickly become headlines.

A BBC journalist was previously left surprised after phoning the US President for a phone call interview in which they discussed the war in Iran and the state of the so-called special relationship between his country and the UK.

“I just spoke to Donald Trump on the phone,” the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith said. The Scottish radio and TV journalist added she was shocked in the manner he answered his call.

She said: “I just rang his number, and he answered it himself, saying ‘hello’.”

And earlier this month the US President told Sky US correspondent Mark Stone That Britain is “being invaded”, and that it “can’t succeed” with its current approach.

During the five minute phone call Trump said he is looking forward to hosting King Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House, and insisted that his strained relationship with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would not impact the visit.