Trump staffer forced to step down after being 'thrown out of stadium' as fans booed

Britt McHenry's promotion barely survived one news cycle, disappearing as quickly as it took to send a congratulatory email after a flying drink ended her US government career.

Britt McHenry poses in front of a White House sign (Image: Instagram @brittmchenry)

A Trump staffer has been forced to resign just 24 hours after being promoted, after being thrown out of a stadium with hoards of fans booing as she left. Britt McHenry lost her US government role after seemingly throwing a drink over a fellow fan at an NBA basketball game in Washington.

The former ESPN journalist was reportedly compelled to step down from her position with Donald Trump on Thursday after footage emerged online, showing her hurling a drink towards a spectator at the Washington Wizards' home opener the previous evening.

McHenry departed just one day after she was reportedly elevated to head External Affairs and Press for Under Secretary Jacob Helberg's team. The reported departure came after a tense altercation at Capital One Arena on Wednesday following McHenry watching Washington triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks 128-116.

NBA supporters jeered as she exited the seating area, with some hurling rally towels, while she waved and blew kisses towards the audience. One source described it as, "promoted and fired in 24 hours."

The State Department declined to comment on the full extent of the circumstances or why she departed the match prematurely despite an exciting Wizards 1-0 side that possesses the components to compete following their last playoff appearance in 2020, reports the Mirror US.

DC YouTuber Andrew Fenichel was standing beside McHenry during the incident. He swiftly dismissed speculation he was romantically involved with her or supporting Trump after supporters bombarded him with furious messages.

"Britt is not my girlfriend. There's no romantic history there at all. Britt and I are just friends," he stated, subsequently adding, "Guys, I'm not MAGA, okay?" The altercation reportedly began after men sitting behind McHenry jeered at 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.

Witnesses 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 visible.

Footage then showed McHenry hurling a drink back at the fans as the situation escalated. Arena staff escorted her out while the crowd booed and threw objects in her direction.

McHenry was heard asking a security worker, "What'd I do?".

Accounts varied as to whether she was formally removed or departed of her own volition. Those close to McHenry maintained she chose to head to a bar, while footage appeared to show security staff accompanying her from the section.

McHenry had previously taken to Instagram to announce her new government role following her appointment, describing it as an honour to serve. She has since restricted comments on her account.

Prior to entering politics, McHenry had worked at ESPN. She joined the administration in September as a press adviser for Europe and Africa, according to Page Six.