Katie Zacharia Out as Trump White House Press Secretary After Less Than a Week
President Trump reportedly asked Zacharia to reconsider her role after a turbulent first five days.
Katie Zacharia has departed from her role as White House press secretary after less than five days on the job, following a request from President Donald Trump that she reconsider her position.
Trump told reporters at the White House that he had spoken with Zacharia, stating, "You don't have to do this if you don't want to. Honestly if I were you I'd reconsider." He added, "Maybe it's not for her," when asked if he would fire her, but indicated his desire for her to have a good life.
Zacharia's brief tenure has been marked by criticism following her initial press briefing, which lasted 14 minutes and drew commentary on her perceived nervousness. The situation was further complicated by revelations that she had not passed the bar exam, despite having referred to herself as a lawyer.
If Zacharia's departure is confirmed, her time in the role would be shorter than that of Anthony Scaramucci, who served as White House Communications Director for 11 days in 2017.