Leaked Footage Sparks Controversy
On August 31, 2025, political commentator Keith Edwards triggered a media firestorm by revealing the existence of leaked training footage linking White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. In his segment, he notes that Leavitt featured in a Project 2025 training video—“The Art of Professionalism”—designed to instruct aspiring conservative appointees, even though publicly she denies any formal connection to the initiative.YouTube+15YouTube+15The Stennett Report+15
What Exactly Is Project 2025?
Project 2025 is a conservative political initiative launched by the Heritage Foundation in April 2023. It aims to reshape federal governance through a policy blueprint titled “Mandate for Leadership”, a recruitment database, a Presidential Administration Academy (training platform), and a secret playbook for post-inauguration execution. Its proposals include dismantling bureaucratic agencies, consolidating executive power, weakening civil service protections, tightening social policy, and expanding faith-based governance.Wikipedia Critics argue the project lays groundwork for authoritarian control.Cleveland 13 News+5Wikipedia+5Yahoo+5
Leavitt’s Appearance in “The Art of Professionalism”
According to ProPublica and other sources, Karoline Leavitt co-stars with Chris Hayes (Leadership Institute) in the 32-minute training video “The Art of Professionalism”.YouTube+15The Stennett Report+15Daily Express US+15 In this session, she draws on her White House press office experience—particularly her time as an assistant press secretary—to advise future conservatively inclined political appointees on maintaining composure under pressure, honing communication skills, and upholding executive loyalty. Her closing words, “So best of luck, and if you need us as a resource, we are here to help,” reinforce the message of mentorship and continuity.The Guardian+4Media Matters+4The Daily Beast+4
Edwards’ Commentary and Leavitt’s Denials
Keith Edwards emphasized that Leavitt’s inclusion in that training video implies a level of formal affiliation with Project 2025, contrasting sharply with her public statements. While she has downplayed any direct involvement, recently claiming the project had “nothing to do” with Trump’s campaign, the leaked footage appears to say otherwise.Spotify for Creators+9Daily Express US+9YouTube+9
Notably, The Daily Beast’s coverage from August 21, 2025, referred to the video as a 30-minute guide, with Leavitt offering tips on competence, knowledge, and confidence—specifically urging trainees to be resourceful, stay informed, and prepare thoroughly. That depiction aligns closely with Edwards’ reports.The Daily Beast
Broader Context and Project 2025’s Influence
Project 2025 has been progressively linked to Trump-aligned governance. A Guardian expose from December 2024 highlighted how multiple appointees—including Leavitt—were tied to the initiative, raising suspicions that Trump’s administration may be guided, at least in part, by its framework.The Guardian
The ProPublica investigation emphasized that 29 of the 36 Project 2025 speakers were Trump-era alumni, demonstrating significant ideological overlap. Many offered reflections on governmental challenges and the need for politically vetted staffing.Daily Express US+12ProPublica+12YouTube+12
Implications of the Leak
The resurfacing of this video raises several pressing questions:
1. Transparency vs. Plausible Deniability
Leavitt’s public disassociation from Project 2025 appears contradicted by her visible role in one of its key training videos. This calls into question how candidly those in power are addressing their ideological foundations.
2. Messaging Strategy and Media Framing
As Press Secretary, Leavitt is the administration’s chief media voice. Her background in conservative training could color her framing—potentially injecting a filtered ideology into press interactions.
3. Ideological Training’s Norms
Political staff training isn’t uncommon. However, the content and tone of “The Art of Professionalism”—which fuses administrative advice with ideological loyalty—highlight the fine line between professional coaching and ideological indoctrination.
4. Public Trust and Institutional Integrity
Assuring the public that press staff operate within objective, democratic norms is essential. Any suggestion of ideological bias or hidden affiliations threatens that fragile trust.
Leavitt’s Record and Profile
Leavitt, born August 24, 1997, is notably the youngest-ever White House Press Secretary, assuming office at age 27 in Trump’s second administration. Her pathway included serving as an intern in the presidential correspondence office, then assistant press secretary, a spokeswoman for MAGA Inc., and communications director for Trump’s 2024 campaign.Yahoo+10The Daily Beast+10YouTube+10The Stennett Report+15Wikipedia+15YouTube+15YouTube+7ProPublica+7The Daily Beast+7 Her rapid ascent underscores the importance of her persona—sharp, disciplined, and ideologically consistent.
Conclusion
In his recent segment, Keith Edwards highlights a significant dissonance: Karoline Leavitt is featured in a Project 2025 training video, despite her repeated public detachment from the initiative. The video “The Art of Professionalism” underscores conservative training with subtle ideological undercurrents, complicating her public posture. This leak invites scrutiny not just of her credibility, but of the deeper ideological infrastructure supporting the current administration.
Key Sources Cited
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Edwards’ report on leaked footage and Leavitt’s involvement in Project 2025’s training video.The Daily Beast+3YouTube+3YouTube+3
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Description and context of “The Art of Professionalism” video, with Leavitt and Chris Hayes.The Stennett ReportMedia Matters
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Coverage by The Daily Beast on Leavitt’s role and Trump’s commentary.The Daily Beast
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Background on Project 2025: its goals, structure, and critiques.WikipediaThe GuardianProPublica
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Leavitt’s public denial and The Guardian’s expose on her ties to Project 2025.The GuardianYahooDaily Express US
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Biographical details on Leavitt’s career and historic status.Wikipedia
