Omanghana
Katie Zacharia has been removed as White House press secretary after just five days in the role, following criticism of her first briefing and questions about her legal credentials.
Two US officials confirmed her dismissal on Friday, October 16, according to Reuters. Her departure leaves President Donald Trump seeking another chief spokesperson less than three weeks before the November midterm elections.
Earlier on Friday, Trump told reporters that he had encouraged Zacharia to reconsider remaining in the position, saying the media had treated her unfairly. He publicly presented the decision as hers, although officials subsequently confirmed that she was being removed.
Zacharia’s only White House briefing, held on Tuesday, lasted approximately 14 minutes and included three questions. Her performance drew scrutiny over her preparedness and ability to manage the administration’s daily exchanges with reporters.
In subsequent interviews, she defended the briefing’s length, saying Trump was scheduled to answer questions afterwards. She also said she had received briefing materials late on Monday and had limited preparation time before appearing at the podium.
Questions about her professional background added to the controversy. Although she holds a law degree from Pepperdine University, Zacharia acknowledged during a Fox News interview that she had not passed the bar examination.
Responding to questions about why she had not disclosed that information to the White House, she said she had not been asked and stressed that her appointment was as press secretary rather than legal counsel.
CBS News reported that Zacharia was expected to take another position within the administration, citing sources familiar with the discussions. The details of that role had not been announced.
Trump indicated that he was in no rush to appoint a replacement, leaving the administration’s permanent spokesperson position unresolved following Zacharia’s brief tenure.
Source: Omanghana
