Trump's newly appointed press secretary departs after just five days
Katie Zacharia left her post as Donald Trump's press secretary after only five days, following a troubled press briefing.
Katie Zacharia began her role as Donald Trump's press secretary on Monday and was dismissed after just five days, according to a White House statement. Her inaugural press briefing on Tuesday was marked by nervousness, a mistaken reference to Trump as her husband, and a confusing reply about where she obtained a lawyer's license, claiming she moved to China. The incident drew ridicule on social media and in the press, earning her the nickname "Zachbot".
Trump later suggested she should reevaluate her job, but the administration confirmed she was leaving. Zacharia posted on X that it was an honor to work for Trump, praising him highly. Former Trump aide Anthony Scaramucci also commented on the firing. Trump continues his campaign in Georgia before heading back to Palm Beach, Florida.
Why it matters
The rapid turnover highlights instability in Trump's communications team during a critical campaign period.
How this story developed
- Oct 8 Ambassador-to-Greece nominee reportedly asked donor for $100k wire to personal account
- Oct 9 The White House has extended the press secretary position to Katie Zacharia, pending her acceptance.
- Oct 10 Trump announced Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary.
- Oct 11 Deleted social‑media posts by Zacharia containing extremist statements were uncovered.
- Oct 11 The State Department Inspector General has opened a probe into the ambassador’s conduct.
- Oct 13 President Trump said a decision on Guilfoyle’s removal could be made this week.
- Oct 13 President Donald Trump appointed Katie Zacharia as press secretary without consulting chief of staff Susie Wiles, sparking a fresh power clash.
- Oct 13 White House formally requested Guilfoyle’s resignation.
- Oct 13 Zacharia held her first White House press briefing.
- Oct 15 Nine former FBI agents and analysts dismissed during the classified-documents investigation have filed a federal lawsuit claiming their terminations were politically motivated.
- Oct 16 Katie Zacharia was removed from her role as White House press secretary just five days after taking the job, following revelations that her claimed legal credentials could not be verified.
- Oct 16 Trump appointed Katie Zacharia as press secretary despite chief of staff Susie Wiles' recommendation.
- Oct 16 The lawsuit was filed in federal court.
- Oct 17 President Trump confirmed that Zachandra would be transitioning out of the press secretary position.
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