White House press secretary Katie Zacharia leaves role after days in office, reports say
In short
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia is leaving the role after less than a week, Gulf outlets reported, citing US media and a White House official. Donald Trump said he had encouraged her to reconsider the job after criticism of her first briefing and questions about her legal credentials.
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Katie Zacharia is leaving her role as White House press secretary after less than a week, Gulf outlets reported. Gulf News said a White House official told AFP they could confirm her departure after Fox News reported that she was transitioning out. The National reported that Fox News cited a White House official and that the New York Times, citing people familiar with the matter, said she had been fired. [ 1 , 2 ]
President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday that he had encouraged Zacharia to reconsider the job. Speaking before travelling to Georgia for a campaign event, he said she had been treated very badly by the media, according to The National. He said the role might not be for her. Forbes Middle East also reported his comments that he wanted her to be happy and that she had suffered over the previous few days. [ 2 , 3 ]
Zacharia's first White House briefing took place on Tuesday and lasted 14 minutes, with only three questions taken from journalists, The National reported. Gulf News described it as lasting less than 15 minutes. The National said questions then arose over her credentials: Trump had described her as an attorney when announcing her appointment, but she later acknowledged taking the bar examination once and not passing. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University's law school, the outlet said. [ 1 , 2 ]
Trump said on Friday that he had not hired Zacharia as a lawyer and that her credentials were not an issue, according to The National. The outlet said she did not accompany him to Georgia, citing a White House travel list. Zacharia had replaced Karoline Leavitt. Gulf News described the controversy as a distraction while Trump campaigns for Republican candidates before the November 3 congressional midterm elections. [ 1 , 2 ]
Why it matters
The departure follows Zacharia's appointment to replace Karoline Leavitt. Gulf News described the controversy as a distraction as Trump campaigns for Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 congressional midterms.
Key facts
- Gulf News reported that a White House official confirmed Zacharia was leaving after Fox News reported she was transitioning out. [ 1 ]
- Trump said he had encouraged Zacharia to reconsider the role. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The National said Zacharia acknowledged taking the bar examination once without passing. [ 2 ]