Donald Trump’s newly appointed spokeswoman, Katie Zacharia, is leaving her position after less than a week, following criticism of her first press briefing and questions over her legal qualifications.
US President Donald Trump’s new White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, is leaving the high-profile position just five days after taking office, following a turbulent start marked by public criticism and controversy over her professional credentials.
The White House confirmed on Friday that Zacharia was “transitioning out” of the role, shortly after Trump publicly suggested that she reconsider remaining in the job.
Her abrupt departure comes after a difficult first week in which her performance before journalists attracted widespread criticism, while questions emerged about her claims to have a legal background.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said he had discussed the situation with Zacharia and questioned whether the demanding role was right for her.
“I said to her, ‘Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider,’” Trump said.
He added that he believed she had been treated unfairly by the media.
Rocky start at the White House
Zacharia’s tenure began with a press briefing on Tuesday that lasted less than 15 minutes. During the session, she read prepared remarks highlighting Trump’s achievements and took only three questions from journalists.
The performance drew criticism and intensified scrutiny of her suitability for the position, which requires the president’s chief spokesperson to respond to questions from the media on behalf of the administration.
The controversy deepened after questions were raised about her legal qualifications.
Zacharia, 41, had described herself as a lawyer during television appearances and on social media. She had also presented herself as general counsel of a conservative non-profit organisation based in California.
Although she holds a law degree from Pepperdine University, she acknowledged on Thursday that she had not passed the bar examination, a requirement for practising law in the United States.
The admission prompted further criticism and placed additional pressure on the newly appointed spokeswoman.
A setback ahead of midterm elections
Zacharia’s exit presents another communications challenge for Trump as he campaigns for Republican candidates ahead of the US congressional midterm elections scheduled for 3 November.
The president had appointed her to succeed Karoline Leavitt, who had served as his press secretary before leaving the role.
Leavitt was known for her combative exchanges with journalists and her strong defence of the administration. Her departure created an opportunity for Trump to appoint a new spokesperson at a politically sensitive time.
However, Zacharia’s brief tenure has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding her debut and professional background.
Her departure also recalls the unusually short tenure of Anthony Scaramucci, who served as White House communications director for 11 days in 2017 during Trump’s first administration.
The White House has yet to announce a successor to Zacharia.
Her exit leaves Trump without a permanent press secretary at a critical moment for his administration, as Republicans prepare for a closely watched electoral contest.
