Trump press secretary Zacharia out after five days

· Politics · United States

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia is out after less than a week, with an official saying she was "let go" and others saying she is "transitioning out." President Donald Trump told her to "reconsider" the role, and reports said he advised her to step aside. She had faced scrutiny from her first press briefing, including questions over her claims of being a lawyer after she acknowledged she had not passed a bar exam. Zacharia also drew attention for a remark that China lacked "proper" toilets. Former acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said the administration set her up to fail by not preparing her. The exit returns the White House communications operation to turmoil and adds to Republican messaging worries ahead of the midterms.

Why it matters：A press secretary lasting five days underscores the instability of White House communications as the US enters a contentious midterm campaign season.

Key points

  • Zacharia acknowledged she had not passed a bar exam amid scrutiny of her credentials.
  • Trump told her to 'reconsider' the role; an official said she was let go.
  • Mick Mulvaney said the administration set her up to fail.

Sources (original reporting)

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