Trump Ousts Katie Zacharia After Just 5 Days As White House Press Secretary

US President Donald Trump has fired Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary after just five days in the role, following a shaky debut in the briefing room and mounting scrutiny over her legal credentials. Her departure has reopened the race to become the administration’s chief spokesperson, with several names emerging as potential contenders.

Zacharia succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who left the position to focus on raising her family. Her own tenure ended after Trump suggested she reconsider the job, telling her, “Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider.” He also reportedly asked whether she needed the position, adding, “I don’t think you need this.” A White House official told CNN that Zacharia was “transitioning out” of the role.

Zacharia confirmed her departure on Friday evening, praising Trump as a “kind, wonderful, gracious, thoughtful, enthusiastic, and hardworking man” and saying it had been an honour to work for him.

Her first White House briefing on October 13 lasted less than 15 minutes. She read out what she described as Trump’s accomplishments before taking just three questions from journalists. The performance was followed by questions about her professional background after it emerged that she had described herself as a lawyer despite failing the bar examination required to practise law in the United States.

Although she holds a law degree from a California university, Zacharia acknowledged that she had not passed the examination. In interviews with Fox News host Sean Hannity and conservative outlet Real America’s Voice, she said she had not retaken the test and explained that she had been distracted and overwhelmed by plans to move to China with her husband. She also said people in the field had assured her she could describe herself as a lawyer.

Her comments about China attracted further attention. Speaking to conservative influencer Jack Posobiec, Zacharia recalled questioning how China could overtake the US when, in her view, it lacked “proper toilets”. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning responded by telling her to “Visit China more often”.

Five names are being discussed as possible successors. Stephen Cheung, the White House communications director, has worked closely with Leavitt. Anna Kelly, the principal deputy press secretary, previously served as a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and as national press secretary for the Republican National Committee.

Katie Miller, a conservative podcast host and former communications director at the Department of Government Efficiency, served as former Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary from 2019 to 2021. Scott Jennings, a conservative commentator and Trump ally who appears on CNN, was reportedly considered for the position before Zacharia’s appointment.

Alina Habba, Trump’s former personal lawyer and a vocal defender of the president, was reported by the New York Post to have been an early contender to replace Leavitt. However, she dismissed speculation about taking the job in August.

Other names reportedly discussed in connection with the vacancy include former Trump press aide Hogan Gidley, former communications aide Harrison Fields and Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, who was reportedly considered before Zacharia’s appointment. The White House has yet to announce a successor.

Zacharia’s exit comes as Trump campaigns for Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 congressional midterm elections. Polls have indicated potential Republican setbacks, while Trump’s approval ratings have declined amid public concerns about the war with Iran, inflation and perceptions of corruption.