⚡ JUST IN: Trump Administration Faces New Headlines After Press Secretary’s Reported Departure…
President Donald Trump has fired Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary after less than a week in the role, according to advisers to the president.
Trump indicated the decision to Zacharia on Friday morning, telling reporters he had encouraged her to reconsider the position. “Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider,” Trump said, adding that he would discuss the matter further when he returned to the White House.
The Turbulent Week
Zacharia’s tenure was marked by missteps beginning with her debut at the briefing room lectern on Tuesday. She appeared visibly uncomfortable, took only three questions, and later gave conflicting answers about her legal credentials.
During subsequent interviews on Fox News, Zacharia clarified that she had never passed the bar exam, despite Trump’s announcement of her hiring describing her as an “attorney.” Her vague responses about future briefing room appearances deepened internal concerns about her viability in the role.
Trump initially viewed her briefing performance less critically than some advisers, but her Thursday night appearance with Sean Hannity and conversations with allies shifted his perspective, according to sources familiar with the discussions. “Perhaps she wasn’t ready for prime time,” Trump remarked to aides, one person told CNN.
What Comes Next
A White House official confirmed to CNN that Zacharia was “transitioning out” of the press secretary position, with her departure expected within days. Trump praised Zacharia as a loyal supporter and said the media had mistreated her, though he made clear he did not believe she was suited for the role.
A source close to the president told CNN that Trump still respects Zacharia personally, noting that she and her family were scheduled to have dinner with Vice President JD Vance and his family Friday evening at the vice president’s residence. Zacharia’s five-day tenure is now shorter than Anthony Scaramucci’s 11-day run as White House communications director in 2017.
This story has been updated. CNN’s team contributed to this report.