The shortest tenure in recent White House press office history may have just ended. Press secretary Katie Zacharia is “transitioning out” of her role, multiple sources and a senior White House official told ABC News on Friday. She started on Monday. abcnewsabcnews
What was reported
Fox News’s Peter Doocy first reported that a senior White House official said she was “transitioning out.” The White House has not provided further details. xfoxbaltimore
Fired or leaving?
The wording matters, and the reports differ. The New York Times, citing three people familiar with the matter, reported that she had been fired. A Fox News Digital report also said she was pushed out after her first week. The White House’s official phrasing is softer, and the full details haven’t been confirmed publicly. conservativereviewFox News
What Trump said
The president addressed it before the news broke. Trump told reporters Friday that he asked Zacharia to reconsider whether she wants to stay in the position. He described their conversation. He said she told him it was a lot tougher, and he replied, “Welcome to the world of Trump.” He also said she’d been “treated very badly by the media,” and that while she was a nice person, he asked her if the job was right for her. A pro-Trump outlet reported another angle. Breitbart’s Washington bureau chief posted that a source familiar told him Trump is still a huge fan of Zacharia. Katie Zacharia ‘transitioning out’ of press secretary role, sources tell ABC News – ABC News +3
Her first week
Her departure comes after a turbulent first week that included scrutiny of her debut briefing and her qualifications. She tried to clear up confusion about her lawyer credentials during the week. Some of the criticism concerned her legal background. The White House defended her. Communications director Steven Cheung called her “uniquely qualified and whip smart.” Katie Zacharia ‘transitioning out’ as White House press secretary, official says +3
Who is she?
Zacharia is a conservative commentator and former communications adviser for Trump Media, and her first briefing took place October 13. She was chosen to replace former Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. foxbaltimoreRolling Stone
What happens next?
No successor has been named in the reports I found. Watch for an official statement from the White House on who will lead the briefing room.
Bottom line
One week, one briefing, and a role that is already changing hands. The White House calls it a transition, others call it a firing, and the full story is still developing.
