Katie Zacharia Pushed for Fox News Interviews Amidst White House Tenure

Katie Zacharia, who recently stepped down as White House press secretary after five days, actively sought out media appearances on Fox News during her brief tenure, according to text messages obtained by The Post. These interviews, intended for Thursday and Friday, ultimately contributed to her departure.

Zacharia expressed her desire for increased media engagement, texting on Wednesday, "I’d like to do news hits morning and evening." The planned appearances were postponed by one day. During the interviews with Fox News host Sean Hannity and on "Fox & Friends," Zacharia discussed her failure to pass the California bar exam and struggled to articulate talking points on other issues. One source described the interviews as a "sanctioned hit," suggesting orchestration by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. However, the text messages indicate Zacharia initiated these media engagements, and Wiles was not involved.

By Friday, President Trump publicly stated that Zacharia was not suited for the role, advising that she "don’t need this." Zacharia's tenure is considered one of the shortest for a White House press secretary.

Records show Zacharia was pursuing television exposure as early as Tuesday, the same day as her first press briefing. A producer for Hannity's show noted on Tuesday that Zacharia could join them from a rally that evening. During her interview with Hannity on Thursday, Zacharia defended her performance, stating, "Given the fact that I’d been on the job less than maybe eight hours and had a briefing book in the morning, I feel like I did my very best, Sean, to deliver for the American people that day." When Hannity asked if she felt the staff should have prepared her better, she did not provide a direct answer.

A White House official confirmed that Zacharia "will not be working at the White House anymore." Details regarding any new role for Zacharia were not immediately available. Politico reported on Wiles's connection to Hannity, but the White House dismissed claims of Wiles's involvement in Zacharia's exit as "hit jobs" and "smear."

Zacharia was seen dining with Vice President JD Vance on Friday evening. When asked about her next steps on Saturday, she was vague.

Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany commented on Zacharia's situation, noting the pressure of the role and the short preparation time. "You want to give grace to anyone who takes on that role... How is she doing this 24-hours in? I had about two weeks to prepare and to get thoughts together and to talk to various cabinet administration officials," McEnany said Saturday. "That was pretty much doomed from the start to role out to the press."

President Trump reiterated on Friday his confidence in Susie Wiles, stating there was "zero chance" of her replacement and that she "is going to be here for a long time."