WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s press secretary, Katie Zacharia, is exiting her role after five days. Her departure emerged on Friday after criticism of her first briefing and questions about her legal credentials.
Trump told reporters that he had spoken to Zacharia about whether the position suited her. “Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider,” he recalled.
Zacharia first appeared at the briefing-room podium on Tuesday, succeeding Karoline Leavitt, who departed in August. She took questions from three reporters during her debut.
However, Zacharia said she received briefing materials Tuesday morning, leaving little time to prepare. NBC News White House correspondent Garrett Haake argued that her departure reflected broader communication difficulties for the administration.
Writing on X, he criticised its messaging and the attention staffing disputes consumed. Meanwhile, White House correspondents speaking anonymously to Fox News Digital questioned Zacharia’s preparedness and communication skills.
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One argued that she needed more preparation, while another criticised Trump’s decision to appoint her. White House communications director Steven Cheung pushed back against those assessments.
He accused reporters of mocking Zacharia and argued that they lacked the ability to perform the press secretary’s job. Cheung also criticised journalists for reacting poorly when they faced criticism themselves.
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Questions about Zacharia’s description of her legal background drew scrutiny alongside her briefing performance. Neither Trump’s remarks nor Cheung’s response specified those questions as the reason for her departure.
The administration is searching for a replacement. Zacharia is leaving the White House press secretary role after five days, drawing criticism from correspondents and a defence from Steven Cheung.
