President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that White House press secretary Katie Zacharia will be transitioning out of her role after less than a week on the job. The decision follows criticism of Zacharia’s brief inaugural briefing, during which she appeared uncomfortable and faced questions about her legal credentials.
Background and criticism
Zacharia, a Pepperdine University law graduate, was appointed on Oct. 9 as the successor to Karoline Leavitt. Her first briefing lasted about 14 minutes and included only three reporters from conservative‑leaning outlets. Observers noted her halting remarks and her description of herself as a lawyer despite not having passed a bar exam.
During a Fox News interview, host Sean Hannity pressed Zacharia on why she did not simply state that she never practiced law. Zacharia responded that she was not offering legal advice and that her role was strictly communications.
President’s response
Speaking on the South Lawn, President Trump said he told Zacharia, “I think you’re better off being happy,” and suggested she reconsider the job. He added that she had been treated unfairly by the press and that he wanted her to have a good life without media “brutalization.” The president indicated a final decision would be made after his campaign travel later that weekend.
Next steps
Sources said Zacharia plans to meet Vice President JD Vance and his family on Friday evening. The White House has not confirmed the departure, and no replacement has been announced, though Trump noted there are many candidates interested in the position.
Zacharia previously worked in communications for Trump Media, the company behind Truth Social, and held a brief stint at the Department of Homeland Security during the second Trump administration.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
