Britt McHenry lost her Trump administration role after apparently throwing a drink at a fellow spectator at a Washington Wizards NBA game at Capital One Arena

A Trump official has resigned just 24 hours after receiving a promotion, following her removal from a packed basketball stadium while crowds of supporters jeered her exit.

Britt McHenry forfeited her US government position after allegedly hurling a drink over a fellow spectator at an NBA basketball fixture in Washington.

The former ESPN journalist was reportedly pushed into resigning from her role with Donald Trump on Thursday, October 22, after video footage surfaced online. It depicted her throwing a drink at a spectator during the Washington Wizards' home opener the previous evening.

McHenry left just one day after she was reportedly promoted to head External Affairs and Press for Under Secretary Jacob Helberg's team. The reported resignation followed a heated confrontation at Capital One Arena on Wednesday, after McHenry witnessed Washington defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 128-116.

NBA supporters booed as she exited the arena with some tossing rally towels in her direction, while she waved and blew kisses back at the crowd. One insider described it 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 was standing next to McHenry when the incident occurred.

He swiftly dismissed rumours that he was romantically involved with her or that he supported Trump after fans 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 said, before adding, "Guys, I'm not MAGA, okay?" 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.

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 disabled comments on her account.

Prior to her venture into politics, McHenry had established her career at ESPN. She joined the administration in September as a press adviser for Europe and Africa, according to Page Six.