New details emerge about Trump’s decoy flight

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White House Headlines - August 13, 2026

White House Headlines - August 13, 2026

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Happy Thursday! Did anyone get any cool photos of the eclipse yesterday? I missed it and am having so much FOMO! If you did, please share! 😉

Rubio, Bessent reportedly on Trump decoy plane

Who could replace Karoline Leavitt?

AOC jokes about Democratic ‘wokeness’

GOP unhappy with Trump’s Iran funding request

Gluten-free Goldfish are coming

Programming note: I will be off for a stretch coming up. The Hill’s editors will be taking the reins of the 12:30 Report while I’m out, starting on Monday. You’ll be in great hands!

✈️ IN THE WHITE HOUSE

More details for the Netflix doc:

Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Associated Press

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had “low confidence” in the potential Iranian assassination threat against President Trump that sparked a secret operation to fly the president on an unmarked plane. That’s according to new reporting from The Washington Post.

Apparently, Israel alerted U.S. intelligence of the threat, but CIA analysts were skeptical of it.

Yes, but: CBS News reports that U.S. and Turkish intelligence picked up on an Iranian plot to hit Air Force One with a surface-to-air missile — and believed it was credible.

New details of the operation are trickling out:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent flew on the decoy Air Force One without the president, according to The Associated Press.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House aides Natalie Harp, Walt Nauta and Dan Scavino were on the secret plane with Trump.

💬 Follow today’s live blog

Karoline Leavitt’s headed for the door:

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is stepping down from her role.

Why?: To spend more time with her two young children. “The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary,” Leavitt posted. 🔎 Read Leavitt’s full post

Trump is the one to first make the announcement: Trump said Leavitt will now serve as one of his “top outside advisers.” He also noted her decision is one “I totally understand and respect!” 🔎 Read Trump’s full post

WHO COULD REPLACE HER:

The BBC published a list of possible contenders to replace Leavitt as White........

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