Leavitt Comments on Zacharia's Short Stint as Press Secretary

Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has characterized Katie Zacharia's five-day tenure as President Trump's press secretary as unsuitable for her.

"The job obviously was not for her, but we wish her and her family well," Leavitt told Fox News Digital. She added that President Trump is still considering candidates for the position and that she has offered her assistance in finding a replacement.

Leavitt's comments come after Zacharia's brief time in the role, which began with a less-than-smooth debut briefing. Trump announced Zacharia's appointment on October 9, with her officially starting on October 12. She faced reporters for the first time the following day, in a briefing that lasted 14 minutes and included questions from only three journalists.

Despite Trump's initial praise, Zacharia's tenure was quickly scrutinized. Questions arose regarding her preparation time and experience with the White House press corps. Further scrutiny emerged over her legal credentials, specifically her failure to pass the California bar exam in 2011, despite frequently appearing as a legal analyst and identifying herself as a lawyer. Her brief time in the role also included a challenging appearance on Fox News's Sean Hannity show.

Leavitt, who served as President Trump's first press secretary during his second term, contrasted Zacharia's experience with her own preparation. "I prepared like heck for that first briefing," Leavitt said. "I poured myself into my preparation. I read, I studied, I talked to every Cabinet member, I talked to the president. I just absorbed as much information as this noggin up here could."

Trump announced Leavitt's appointment on November 15, 2024, as president-elect. She did not deliver her first briefing until January 28, 2025, giving her over two months to prepare. At 27, Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in history. Her initial briefing lasted approximately 46 minutes.

Leavitt announced her departure from the role on August 12, citing a desire to spend more time with her family. She agreed to remain an outside adviser to the president. Leavitt is also set to join Fox News as an on-air contributor beginning November 1.