US President Donald Trump’s newly appointed White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, is leaving her position after just five days on the job following a difficult start and growing questions about her professional qualifications.
Zacharia’s departure was confirmed on Friday, October 16, 2026, by a White House official who said she was “transitioning out” of the role.
Her exit came after Trump publicly suggested that she reconsider the position, citing the pressure and challenges associated with serving as the administration’s chief spokesperson.
Speaking to reporters before leaving Washington for a weekend trip, Trump said he had advised Zacharia to think carefully about whether the demanding job was right for her.
The announcement marked a rapid end to her tenure, which began earlier in the week.
Questions Over Legal Qualifications
Zacharia faced scrutiny shortly after taking office over claims about her legal background.
Trump had described her as an attorney when announcing her appointment. However, questions emerged about whether she had been admitted to practise law in the United States.
Zacharia, a graduate of Pepperdine University’s law school, initially defended her professional background, saying she had practised international transaction law.
However, during a Fox News interview, she acknowledged that she had not passed the bar examination.
Reuters reported that it could not find records showing she was licensed to practise law in any US state or the District of Columbia.
The controversy added to the pressure surrounding her brief time in the White House.
Difficult Start at the White House
Zacharia’s first press briefing on Tuesday also attracted attention after she struggled to respond confidently to some questions from journalists.
The briefing was short, and she took questions from only a few reporters before ending the session.
Her performance prompted further scrutiny as she attempted to establish herself as the administration’s principal public spokesperson.
Trump had selected Zacharia to replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in August to spend more time with her young children.
The president had hoped the new appointment would help communicate his administration’s achievements and improve its engagement with the media.
Trump Yet to Name a Replacement
Following Zacharia’s departure, Trump said he was in no rush to appoint another press secretary.
Her brief tenure comes at a sensitive political moment, with the US midterm elections approaching in November.
The administration now faces the task of finding a new spokesperson to communicate its policies and respond to questions from journalists.
Zacharia’s departure is among the shortest tenures for a White House press secretary, highlighting the pressures associated with one of the most visible communications positions in American government.
Neither Zacharia nor the White House immediately provided further details about the circumstances surrounding her exit.