White House press secretary Katie Zacharia was fired Friday, October 16, after less than a week in the position, The New York Times reported, citing three people familiar with the matter. Earlier Friday, President Donald Trump told reporters he had encouraged Zacharia to reconsider the job following criticism of her first press briefing and questions about her legal credentials.
- Trump said he told Zacharia she did not have to remain in the position and suggested she might be happier leaving.
- Trump defended Zacharia against media criticism and said her failure to pass the bar exam would not have affected his hiring decision.
- Zacharia acknowledged failing the California bar exam after graduating from Pepperdine Law School in 2011.
- Her first White House press briefing on October 13 drew criticism over her delivery and limited responses to reporters.
- Zacharia replaced Karoline Leavitt, who departed the position in August.
- The White House and Zacharia had not responded to requests for comment on the reported dismissal, according to the Times.
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Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
