Britt McHenry has resigned from her role in the Trump administration, just 24 hours after receiving a promotion, following an incident at an NBA game in Washington. Video footage emerged showing her throwing a drink at a fellow spectator during the Washington Wizards' home opener at Capital One Arena.
Resignation Follows Promotion
McHenry reportedly left her position on Thursday, October 22, one day after she was promoted to head External Affairs and Press for Under Secretary Jacob Helberg's team. The resignation came after a heated confrontation at the arena on Wednesday, following the Wizards' 128-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
McHenry, a former ESPN journalist, had joined the administration in September as a press adviser for Europe and Africa, according to Page Six. She had previously announced her new government role on Instagram, describing it as an honour to serve, but has since disabled comments on her account.
Incident at Capital One Arena
NBA supporters booed as McHenry exited the arena, with some tossing rally towels in her direction, while she waved and blew kisses back at the crowd. One insider described the situation as "promoted and fired in 24 hours."
The State Department declined to comment on the complete details surrounding her departure or why she left the match early. DC YouTuber Andrew Fenichel, who was standing next to McHenry when the incident occurred, dismissed rumours that he was romantically involved with her or that he supported Trump.
"Britt is not my girlfriend. There's no romantic history there at all. Britt and I are just friends," he said, before adding, "Guys, I'm not MAGA, okay?"
Altercation Details
The altercation reportedly began when men seated behind McHenry taunted Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma and made offensive remarks about his fiancée, model Winnie Harlow. McHenry allegedly attempted to quieten them down, which is said to have triggered the confrontation.
Eyewitnesses claimed the group directed abuse at McHenry and threw a drink at her first. Video footage appeared to capture part of the exchange, though not every detail was clearly visible. Clips then showed McHenry hurling a drink back at the fans as the situation escalated.
Arena staff escorted her out while the crowd jeered and threw objects in her direction. McHenry was heard asking a security guard, "What'd I do?". Accounts varied as to whether she was officially ejected or departed of her own accord. Those supporting McHenry maintained she chose to head to a bar, while footage appeared to show security staff guiding her away from the area.
