White House Officials Placed on Leave After Sting Operation

Senior officials at the White House have been put on leave following a covert sting that exposed their evident disdain for President Donald Trump.

“We’re very excited about this,” noted Benjamin Elisten, a senior budget analyst at the White House. Undercover journalist James O’Keefe reported that Elisten referred to Trump as a “madman” who’s “screwing it up for everyone.” A White House source shared with the Daily Caller that Elisten has been with the administration since 2024 and is now facing administrative leave.

The Official commented further, “He does not have direct access to the president or senior staff, and he does not work on the White House campus. Views like these expressed by individuals do not represent the true patriots serving here.”

Elisten was recorded stating to a reporter affiliated with O’Keefe that Trump was “a nuisance” and insisted on the need to “get rid of him.” He described the president as “a lunatic” and noted that Trump’s unpredictability is worrisome.

Going further, Elisten criticized Trump’s leadership style, calling it “insane” and “horrible.” He expressed concern over Trump’s erratic decision-making, suggesting that it might seem as if Trump were under the influence, despite being sober. “It’s concerning that someone who appears to be rational can act so recklessly,” he said.

Elisten also voiced criticism of the president’s foreign policy, proposing that Trump might be intentionally inflating oil prices for personal gain, benefitting his family’s business dealings in that area.

“The president seems to influence market reactions,” Elisten remarked. “It looks like insider trading is at play, especially with rising oil prices amid the conflict in Iran.”

Additionally, Maxim Lott, a White House special assistant for domestic affairs, shed light on the administration’s “chaotic” internal dynamics. He acknowledged the confusing decision-making process, remarking that the current situation feels somewhat out of control and won’t resolve itself.

Having previously worked as a producer for John Stossel, Lott mentioned that lower-tier officials often make decisions that affect policy based on what they believe the president would want. “In theory, it should all come from the president,” he explained. “But sometimes it’s taken from a level below the president, with officials believing they know what he would say.” There’s a tendency to assume, “Yeah, he’d support that; it would be popular.” He added that the rationale behind many decisions is not purely financial or strategic but rather based on perceived popularity.

After contact from O’Keefe’s team, Lott affirmed his remarks and expressed his ongoing commitment to the policies of the administration. “I’ve seen the darker sides of politics, and my stance remains unchanged,” Lott stated. “Everything I’ve said aligns with this administration’s goals.”