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Jayme Leagh Franklin has responded to a viral ‘Zapper’ theory after footage from Trump’s Oval Office event sparked bizarre speculation about her movements.
Jayme Leagh Franklin responded to a viral social media theory about her movements during Trump’s Oval Office event. (Video screengrabs)
Jayme Leagh Franklin, the former Trump White House official who was seen standing behind US President Donald Trump during an Oval Office event, has responded to a bizarre theory that went viral on social media after footage from the event circulated online.
Franklin, who is the founder and CEO of conservative media and lifestyle platform The Conservateur, was present at the Oval Office on August 10, when Trump signed an executive order seeking changes to childhood vaccine recommendations.
She was standing behind Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. during the event.
The footage subsequently drew attention on social media, particularly to Franklin’s movements and the fact that she repeatedly appeared to hold her hand near her stomach.
Jayme Franklin Responds To Viral ‘Zapper’ Claim
As clips from the Oval Office event spread online, some social media users began speculating about why Franklin appeared to move her hand towards her abdomen when Trump appeared to close his eyes.
One X user claimed that Franklin had a “button” fitted on her belly and alleged that she would press it after receiving a signal that Trump was falling asleep.
The post suggested that the supposed device would somehow wake the president and referred to Franklin as “The Zapper.”
The claim emerged as an online conspiracy theory following the viral footage.
Other reports have similarly described the “zapper” narrative as a bizarre or unsubstantiated theory.
Franklin responded to the post herself on X on Wednesday.
Quoting the post, she wrote: “I’m just pregnant, you weirdos.”
Other social media users also shared a photo believed to be of Franklin, her partner, and their first child.
The authenticity of the photo, however, could not be independently verified.
Who Is Jayme Leigh Franklin?
Franklin is not an unidentified White House staffer, although her appearance during the signing initially led to considerable curiosity online.
She is the founder and CEO of The Conservateur, a media and lifestyle platform focused on culture, fashion, beauty and politics.
She previously worked in the first Trump administration as director of correspondence and had also worked on Trump’s 2020 campaign.
She was photographed standing alongside Trump and Kennedy during Monday’s Oval Office signing of the executive order concerning childhood vaccine recommendations.
The event itself was widely covered because of the administration’s proposed changes to the US childhood immunisation schedule.
What Happened In The Viral Video?
Videos from the Oval Office showed Franklin standing behind Trump while he spoke about the executive order.
According to reports, Trump appeared to briefly close his eyes during the event, while Franklin could be seen moving and holding her hand near her stomach.
That visual prompted jokes and speculation online, including the claim that she was carrying a device to “zap” Trump awake.
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
August 12, 2026, 1:59 PM IST
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