US President Donald Trump Removes White House Press Secretary Katie Zakaria After Five Days
US President Donald Trump has removed White House Press Secretary Katie Zakaria from her position after just five days in the role. Her departure follows controversy over her first press briefing and questions about her legal qualifications.
Zakaria was appointed press secretary on October 9, 2026, but came under scrutiny within days of taking up the position. According to reports, the Trump administration had presented her as a lawyer, prompting questions about whether she had passed the bar examination required to practise law in the United States.
Media reports indicated that Zakaria had taken the California bar examination but had not passed it. The issue triggered public discussion about her professional credentials and the White House's appointment process.
Zakaria's tenure became more difficult following her first press briefing on October 13. The briefing lasted approximately 14 minutes and drew criticism over her responses and presentation.
The controversy intensified when journalists asked her where she had passed the bar examination. In response, she referred to travelling to China, creating confusion. She later explained that helicopter noise had prevented her from hearing the question correctly.
Questions were also raised about her responses and preparation for the press conference. As criticism in the media grew, Zakaria attempted to present her side of the story in television interviews, but the controversy did not fully subside.
On October 16, Trump indicated during a conversation with reporters that he had advised Zakaria to reconsider remaining in the position. According to Trump, he had told her that she did not need to continue in a role in which she could not be happy.
The president also said that media conduct had subjected her to unnecessary pressure.
White House officials subsequently confirmed that Zakaria was leaving the position. Trump publicly presented the decision as an effort to find a better option for her rather than directly describing it as a dismissal.
According to reports, she could be given another responsibility in the administration or in another organisation associated with Trump in the future.
Zakaria's departure comes as the United States approaches the November 2026 midterm elections. The Republican Party will seek to maintain its political influence in Congress in the elections.
The White House press secretary is responsible for communicating the president's messages to the public, defending administration policies and responding to journalists' questions.
Zakaria took over the position after Karoline Leavitt left the role. However, the controversy surrounding her appointment and initial performance brought her tenure to an end after five days.
