White House Press Secretary Defends Title 'Lawyer' After Failing Bar Exam

New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia has broken her silence regarding her qualifications, explaining her use of the term 'lawyer' despite never passing the California bar exam. In an interview with Jack Posobiec of Real America's Voice, Zacharia attributed her failure to pass the bar exam to being 'distracted' by her marriage and a surprise pregnancy.

Zacharia, who replaced Karoline Leavitt as press secretary, explained that she had pre-registered for the bar exam but did not want to withdraw. At the time, she and her husband were planning to move to China. "I was obviously incredibly distracted and overwhelmed and excited for finally being married to someone who I'd been long distance from for at least a year," she said. Zacharia stated that the exam results were "inconsequential because I wouldn't need the results in China" as there is "no Chinese bar," and she believed her law degree provided sufficient credentials for legal practice there.

When pressed about not retaking the exam upon returning to the U.S., Zacharia cited the arrival of a surprise baby and having "four kids in six years." She acknowledged that her self-labeling as a "lawyer" may have caused "miscommunication." Zacharia stated she consulted "many people in the field" who affirmed that it was acceptable to label herself a lawyer and provide legal analysis, as long as it was not advice, and that she was careful not to present herself as an attorney-at-law.

However, some legal experts have questioned this interpretation. Stephen Gillers, a professor at New York University School of Law, told The Washington Post, "A J.D. degree does not make you a lawyer."

Zacharia also addressed her brief and criticized debut at the White House podium on Tuesday. She explained that President Trump called her the previous Wednesday, she flew to D.C. on Thursday, interviewed and accepted the job on Friday, and started on Monday. She stated that she received briefing materials Monday night, but they were not fully prepared until 8 a.m. Tuesday, leaving insufficient time for a complete briefing, unlike typical afternoon press briefings. "I never had a full briefing beforehand," she said.

Her first press briefing lasted only 14 minutes, during which she called on three reporters. Zacharia confirmed that she intentionally kept the briefing short, noting that President Trump "is his own best spokesperson."

Zacharia also anticipates parody on "Saturday Night Live," similar to past press secretaries like Sean Spicer. When asked who she would like to play her, she suggested Scarlett Johansson.