Former White House staffer Jayme Leagh Franklin hit back at viral online rumours on Wednesday, 12 August, after social media users claimed she was using a hidden stomach device to wake up Donald Trump. The bizarre internet speculation erupted following a White House appearance where observers noticed her standing behind the president while repeatedly holding her stomach and nodding along.
For context, the viral moment occurred during an Oval Office announcement on Monday where Trump signed an executive order aimed at reshaping federal childhood vaccination recommendations. Franklin stood prominently behind the president as he delivered his remarks to assembled reporters and guests.