Katie Zacharia Leaves White House Press Secretary Role After Five Days
World
Katie Zacharia has left her position as White House press secretary just five days after starting the job. Her brief tenure followed a widely criticised first press briefing and intense media scrutiny, while US President Donald Trump publicly advised her to reconsider whether to remain in the role.
Trump announced Zacharia’s appointment on October 9 and later said she would begin work on October 12. The following day, she held her first briefing for journalists. It lasted about 14 minutes, during which she answered only three questions. The debut drew criticism, and media reports subsequently described dissatisfaction within the White House.
On October 16, Trump told reporters that he had advised Zacharia to think again about staying in the position. Recounting his words, he said: “Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider.” The president also indicated that she did not have to continue in the role if she did not want to face the pressure associated with it.
Zacharia’s tenure was shorter than Anthony Scaramucci’s 10-day stint as White House communications director in 2017. The two positions, however, were different roles.
After leaving the job, Zacharia posted a message on X praising the president. She described Trump as kind, gracious, thoughtful, enthusiastic and hardworking, adding that she wished more Americans appreciated him. She also said it had been an honour to work for the president.
On October 16, Trump told reporters that he had advised Zacharia to think again about staying in the position. Recounting his words, he said: “Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider.” The president also indicated that she did not have to continue in the role if she did not want to face the pressure associated with it.
Zacharia’s tenure was shorter than Anthony Scaramucci’s 10-day stint as White House communications director in 2017. The two positions, however, were different roles.
After leaving the job, Zacharia posted a message on X praising the president. She described Trump as kind, gracious, thoughtful, enthusiastic and hardworking, adding that she wished more Americans appreciated him. She also said it had been an honour to work for the president.
Powered by Froala Editor