The high-stakes meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska over Russia’s war in Ukraine has left ripples not just across global politics but also inside the White House press corps.
MSNBC host Antonia Hylton offered a striking take on the aftermath, drawing attention to the reactions of those present.
Karoline Leavitt Appeared Shocked After Closed-Door Meeting
On Saturday night’s episode of The Weekend: Primetime, Hylton discussed the summit with former US Ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul.
She suggested that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt looked visibly shaken after attending the private session with Putin.
Hylton described Leavitt, 27, as appearing “ashen” and “almost frightened,” implying that what she witnessed behind closed doors left a strong impression.
“A lot of the press corps reported that they saw members of the administration, like Karoline Leavitt, look pale and unsettled after the meeting,” Hylton said.
Experts Question Summit Outcomes
McFaul, an Obama appointee, joined the conversation to emphasize the weight of the summit.
“We should all be glad that we did not go to Alaska,” he remarked, noting that Leavitt’s appearance suggested the summit may have been a bigger setback than the administration was admitting.
The discussion underscored a stark contrast between Trump’s portrayal of the meeting and the observations of those witnessing it firsthand.
Trump Claims Success Amid Widespread Criticism
Trump, meanwhile, characterized the summit as highly productive, giving it a “10 out of 10” rating and claiming he made “a lot of progress.”
Critics argue that the event fell short of expectations for America, as the president adopted Russia’s position on focusing on a long-term peace deal rather than pursuing an immediate ceasefire.
Additionally, Trump appeared to back away from threats of imposing stricter sanctions on Russia or extending secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil, drawing criticism from both domestic and international observers.
Leavitt’s Role in Clearing Up Presidential Remarks
The summit came after Leavitt handled a confusing moment from Trump during a White House press briefing.
On Monday, the president twice implied he would be traveling to Russia to meet Putin.
“Perhaps there are plans in the future to travel to Russia, and on Friday the president will be meeting with the Russian president in Alaska,” Leavitt clarified during the briefing.
Trump, however, seemed to confirm the mistaken impression himself: “You know, I’m going to see Putin.
I’m going to Russia on Friday,” he said during the press conference, repeating the phrasing later: “We’re going to Russia. That’s going to be a big deal.”
Media Coverage Highlights Behind-the-Scenes Strain
Hylton and her co-hosts, including Elize Jordan, Ayman Mohyeldin, and Catherine Rampell, aired their discussion on the weekend program from 6 pm to 9 pm, reflecting on the high-profile summit and its implications.
The conversation captured a rare glimpse into the tension behind the polished public statements, highlighting that not everyone walked away from the meeting confident in the outcomes.
