White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared in a May 1 video with TikTok running influencer Kate Mackz, as part of Mackz’s interview series, “The Running Show,” Realtor reported.
The series, typically featuring interviews conducted during jogs, shifted format for a walking tour of the White House with Leavitt. Mackz has faced major backlash for the interview, not only for the deviation from the running format but also due to allegations that the Trump administration might have paid for the spot. Additionally, anti-Maga Mackz fans have expressed disappointment over the interview.
“Being a part of the running community is a privilege that not all people have access to… I don’t really understand how platforming an administration that cuts mental health services, that cuts literal shipments to food banks, is entirely hurting the climate…all of those things prevent people from getting into the running community which is what I thought Kate’s platform was for,” one TikTok user wrote. Seemingly in response to the backlash, Mackz deleted and reposted the video several times. It is now back up.
At The White House
After introducing herself to Mackz’s followers, Leavitt kicked off the White House tour by guiding the content creator down Pebble Beach, the well-known stretch of road where members of the press regularly gather.
She then led Mackz to the exterior of the White House, highlighting the residence of Trump and the first family, before pointing out the entrance to the West Wing. From there, the tour moved inside to one of Leavitt’s “favorite” areas — the historic James S. Brady briefing room. There, she discussed its role in daily press operations. Mackz noted how much smaller the room seemed than when viewed on TV.
Continuing the walkthrough, Leavitt brought Mackz into the “lower press” area, introducing the workspace where her communications team operates. She also stopped to show the desk she once used during her time as an assistant press secretary.
The tour concluded in her personal office, located just steps away from the briefing room. Leavitt showcased the space decorated with such items as framed photos with Trump, her son, and a moment from her first press briefing.
Leavitt and Mackz continue their White House tour, stepping back outside, only to unexpectedly cross paths with “The White Lotus” star Jason Isaacs. The actor was thought to be in Washington, D.C., for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner happening that day (April 26).
“You never know who you’re going to run into at the White House,” Leavitt laughs, before pointing out “the president’s Tesla.”
“This is the president’s Tesla,” she explains. “He’s been kind enough to tell staff we’re welcome to drive it if we’d like. I haven’t taken him up on it yet, but I might just do that soon.”
The tour wraps up at the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, a space often used for interviews, press briefings, and presidential events.
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