US President Donald Trump’s newly appointed White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, has been dismissed after less than a week in the role, following criticism of her performance and growing questions about her legal credentials.
Two White House officials confirmed on Friday that Zacharia had been let go and was transitioning out of the position, bringing an abrupt end to one of the shortest tenures in the history of the White House press secretary’s office.
Her departure leaves Trump without a key public spokesperson just over two weeks before November’s midterm elections, as the president seeks to promote his administration’s record and help Republicans retain control of Congress.
Trump had earlier told reporters that he encouraged Zacharia to reconsider remaining in the position after she faced intense media scrutiny during her first days in office.
Speaking as he departed the White House for a weekend trip, the president recounted his conversation with her. “I told her, I think you’re better off being happy, and I’m not sure you can ever be happy in this stuff.’ There’s nothing easy about this stuff. I said to her honestly, ‘If I were you, I’d reconsider… think about it. But I would reconsider.”
Trump said he intended to revisit the conversation with Zacharia later.
Zacharia assumed office on Monday and held her first White House press briefing on Tuesday. She disclosed that she received a call about the position on October 7 and was offered the job a week before taking office, succeeding former press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Her appointment followed Trump’s concerns about media coverage of his administration. According to two people familiar with the discussions, the president wanted a new spokesperson who could more effectively communicate his achievements.
But Zacharia’s appointment quickly attracted scrutiny, particularly over her professional background and claims that she had practised law.
Trump had publicly described her as an attorney, while Zacharia also maintained that her career included experience in international transaction law.
In an emailed statement on Wednesday, she defended her qualifications. “I practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials.”
Reports subsequentlysaid that it could not locate records showing that the Pepperdine University law school graduate had been registered as an attorney or admitted to the bar in any US state or the District of Columbia.
During an interview on Thursday, Zacharia acknowledged that she had not passed the bar examination.
Under US legal requirements, graduating from law school does not independently qualify an individual to practise law. Graduates must first secure admission to a state bar before legally practising as attorneys.
The disclosure intensified questions surrounding Zacharia’s professional credentials, adding to criticism of her performance during her debut White House briefing and subsequent media appearances.
Despite the controversy, Zacharia told reporters at the White House earlier on Friday that she was looking forward to working with members of the press.
Hours later, officials confirmed that she was leaving the administration.
Neither Zacharia nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment about her dismissal.
Trump, speaking during a telephone interview on Friday, indicated that he was in no hurry to appoint a replacement.
Zacharia’s departure is believed to mark the shortest tenure of any White House press secretary in US history.
Her exit also drew a reaction from Anthony Scaramucci, who served as White House communications director for just 10 days during Trump’s first administration. “Records are made to be broken, But I take no pleasure in other people’s pain.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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