Katie Zacharia is leaving her position as President Donald Trump's press secretary, according to news organizations citing White House officials, ending a tenure that began on October 12.
NPR reported on October 16 that an official who was not authorized to speak publicly said Zacharia was transitioning out of the job. The Guardian separately reported that she had been fired, citing a White House official.
The accounts agree on her departure but differ in how they describe it. Euronews reported that Trump denied dismissing her in remarks carried by Fox News. The White House officials quoted about the personnel decision were not named.
Earlier on October 16, Trump told reporters he had spoken with Zacharia before departing for a campaign event in Georgia. According to NPR, he said the choice was hers while encouraging her to reconsider whether she wanted the position.
Zacharia started work on Monday, October 12, and held her first briefing the following day. NPR reported that she read prepared remarks and took questions from three reporters. Her performance and descriptions of her legal background subsequently drew scrutiny.
She holds a law degree but acknowledged on October 15 that she had failed the bar exam and had not taken it again, Euronews reported. In a statement provided to NPR, she said she had worked in international transaction law with the appropriate credentials. That was her account of her qualifications.
Before joining the White House, Zacharia advised Trump Media on communications and appeared as a commentator on Fox News and Newsmax, according to NPR.