Leavitt Compares Fired White House Press Secretary to 'Apprentice' Contestant

Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that her successor, Katie Zacharia, experienced a similar fate to contestants on Donald Trump's reality show "The Apprentice," during a conversation with comedian Bill Maher on Friday.

When asked by Maher if she had any advice for Zacharia, who served less than a week in the role, Leavitt responded, "I mean, the President did have a hit show called the The Apprentice where he's known for moving on from people, so hey, it's in his nature to do that type of thing, I guess."

Maher, who was making his second visit to the White House to dine with Trump, quipped that he hoped "I'm not next" to be fired, adding, "I still have some things I wanna say."

Leavitt expressed empathy for Zacharia, whose first White House press briefing received criticism. "It's a tough job, it's a very tough job, people say it's one of the hardest jobs in Washington," Leavitt stated. "I give anyone who steps up to that podium credit because only 37 people in history have been the White House Press Secretary."

Leavitt ultimately agreed with Trump's decision to replace Zacharia, noting the immense pressure of the role. "That pressure in that room is enormous, the press are vicious and I give her credit for standing up there and as the President said, it wasn't a good fit. That's okay, I wish her well, we're onto the next."

Leavitt, who spent the first 18 months of Trump's second term in the role, described the position as highly desirable. "It's a great job, it's a fun job and there's a lot of qualified people who want it."

Earlier in the week, Leavitt acknowledged in a Fox News interview that "the job obviously was not for her, but we wish her and her family well."

During the interview with Maher, Leavitt also discussed her loyalty to Trump and shared an anecdote about early encouragement she received from the President. Trump had reportedly told Leavitt, "Honey, lots of people said you were too young and I told them I was building buildings in Manhattan when I was your age and you can do it. I am very grateful for the opportunity and indebted to him."

Zacharia's short tenure followed her first press briefing on October 13, which lasted 14 minutes and featured questions from only three reporters. Despite Trump's initial praise, concerns were raised about Zacharia's preparation and experience.

Questions also arose regarding Zacharia's legal credentials, as she had failed California's bar exam in 2011. Despite this, she had appeared as a legal analyst on news channels, identifying herself as a lawyer.

Her subsequent appearance on Sean Hannity's Fox News show on October 15, where she was pressed on her briefing and her use of the title "lawyer," preceded her departure the following day.

Leavitt's own tenure as Press Secretary began after Trump announced her appointment on November 15, 2024, as president-elect. She delivered her first briefing on January 28, 2025, more than two months later. At 27, Leavitt became the youngest White House Press Secretary in history. Her initial briefing lasted approximately 46 minutes.

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