Jen Psaki Questions White House Press Secretary's Legal Credentials
Former press secretary Jen Psaki expressed skepticism about Katie Zacharia's legal background after her debut briefing, while the White House and RNC defended her.
Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday questioned the legal credentials of current press secretary Katie Zacharia, following Zacharia's first official press briefing. Psaki, now a media personality, suggested that Zacharia's qualifications were unclear and referred to reports that her admission to a state bar could not be verified.
"So where exactly is Katie Zacharia licensed to practice law? It is a very weird mystery, right? … A potentially fake lawyer? I don’t know. She could answer the questions and provide clarity," Psaki stated on her show, "The Briefing with Jen Psaki."
Zacharia, in response to the criticism, defended her professional background. "I practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials," she said in a statement to Fox News Digital. The White House press office confirmed that Zacharia earned her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University in 2011. Pepperdine President Jim Gash lauded Zacharia, noting her past role as his research assistant and expressing confidence in her "incredible gifts and extensive experience."
Natalie Baldassarre, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, criticized Psaki's remarks, suggesting they were an attempt to regain relevance for her television program. Baldassarre defended Zacharia as a "sharp communicator" and an "unwavering supporter of President Trump," crediting her for engaging with the media on her first day.
During her debut briefing, Zacharia thanked President Trump for her appointment and expressed enthusiasm for joining the administration. Psaki commented on Zacharia's delivery, stating she was "so deeply uncomfortable" and that Zacharia should practice reading her remarks beforehand.
President Trump, when asked about Zacharia's performance, told reporters, "I thought she was very good." The White House issued a statement praising Zacharia's inaugural briefing, characterizing it as "commanding" and a "strong introduction" that highlighted the administration's agenda and achievements.