Overview
- During an Aug. 25 Oval Office session to sign multiple executive orders, a noisy cell phone interrupted President Trump as he fielded questions, including about the government buying a stake in Intel.
- Trump stopped mid-answer, asked, "Who is that back there?" and said, "Alright, get out of the room," as laughter was heard and a door closed.
- The person’s identity is not clear from recordings of the event, though the Daily Mail named staff secretary Will Scharf; other outlets reported that identification remains unverified.
- Scharf’s routine presence at signings reflects his role managing executive orders and handling documents for the president.
- Coverage noted Trump has previously removed or admonished aides for on-camera disruptions, including a 2019 incident involving Mick Mulvaney coughing during an interview.