President Donald Trump’s new spokesperson faces criticism over a 14 minute first briefing and a California bar complaint about her legal credentials.
The Katie Zacharia press secretary era has opened under heavy criticism, after a 14 minute first press briefing on Tuesday and a watchdog complaint on Wednesday about her claims to be a lawyer. President Donald Trump named Zacharia the new White House press secretary on Friday, October 9, to replace Karoline Leavitt. The Trump press secretary now faces questions about her delivery at the podium and her legal credentials.
Who Is the New White House Press Secretary?
According to the Associated Press, Trump announced the pick on Truth Social. Zacharia is a communications adviser for Trump Media and Technology Group, which operates the platform. AP reported that Trump called her “a loyal and brilliant supporter,” and that she briefly worked as a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson and has appeared as a commentator on Fox News and Newsmax. Newsweek reported that Karoline Leavitt left in August to spend more time with her family.
What Happened in Her First Press Briefing?
Newsweek reported that Zacharia spent 14 minutes at the podium, took questions from three outlets and ended the session because Trump was leaving for a campaign trip to Alaska. She also confirmed that Trump asked Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, to resign following allegations of improper conduct, according to Newsweek. CNN reporter Alayna Treene said several White House officials and presidential advisers called the appearance awkward, especially while she read her opening statement, Newsweek reported.
Why Is the Katie Zacharia Press Secretary Under Fire?
Reaction was mixed. Kate Bedingfield, a former Biden White House communications director, said on CNN that Zacharia seemed unprepared, Newsweek reported, while noting she had only four days to get ready. Jen Psaki compared the session to a comedy sketch, according to CTV News. Trump told reporters, “I thought she was very good,” CTV News reported.
Supporters also spoke up. White House communications director Steven Cheung praised her qualifications, Newsweek reported. Ari Fleischer, press secretary under George W. Bush, told Fox News that news such as the Kimberly Guilfoyle announcement gave her substance. The Trump press secretary told Newsweek, “I am grateful to serve President Trump as Press Secretary.”
Zacharia Bar Complaint: What Is Being Alleged?
Scrutiny of her credentials grew after a reporter asked Trump which state she passed the bar exam in. Zacharia answered, “when I moved to China,” CNN reported. The Washington Post reported that China does not let noncitizens take its national bar exam. Popular Information, an independent news site, searched records in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and found no evidence she was admitted to practice law, the Washington Times reported.
On Wednesday, Campaign for Accountability, a watchdog group that describes itself as nonpartisan, asked the State Bar of California to investigate whether she broke state law by presenting herself as a lawyer. The National Desk reported that the complaint cites at least 18 television appearances and that Zacharia has not been charged with a crime. The same outlet said the State Bar of California has no record of her being licensed in the state, though confidentiality laws limit what it can confirm.
A White House official told CNN that Zacharia moved to China with her husband after law school and worked on international transaction law, but did not say whether she passed a bar exam. The Advocate, citing USA Today, reported that Pepperdine University confirmed her 2011 law school graduation and that Zacharia said in a statement she practiced international transaction law with all appropriate credentials.
Will Katie Zacharia Be Removed From the Job?
No change to her role had been reported as of Thursday. Newsweek, citing Treene, said some people in Trump’s orbit believed the president would give her the benefit of the doubt. The Daily Beast reported that an unnamed Trump administration official told MS NOW she needs to improve quickly. The Zacharia bar complaint asks the State Bar of California to refer the matter to prosecutors if it finds a violation, The National Desk reported.
What Happens Next for the Trump Press Secretary?
Campaign for Accountability also asked the bar to determine whether her work as general counsel of Fix California amounted to unauthorized practice of law, according to the group’s statement. Popular Information reported its licensing search on October 13, and CNN also said it found no evidence she passed the bar exam in the states where she has lived and worked.
This report on the Katie Zacharia press secretary controversy will be updated as new details emerge.
FAQs
Who is Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary?
Katie Zacharia is the Trump press secretary named on October 9, 2026, to succeed Karoline Leavitt. NPR member stations reported she is 41, a Pepperdine Caruso School of Law graduate and a communications adviser for Trump Media and Technology Group.
Why is the Katie Zacharia press secretary under fire?
Critics focused on her 14 minute first press briefing, the three questions she took and her heavy use of notes. A separate Zacharia bar complaint now adds questions about her legal credentials.
What is the Campaign for Accountability complaint against Katie Zacharia?
Campaign for Accountability asked the State Bar of California to investigate whether she unlawfully presented herself as a lawyer. The complaint asks the bar to refer any violation to prosecutors. It is a request for review, not a finding.
Is Katie Zacharia a licensed lawyer in California?
The State Bar of California told The National Desk it has no record of her being licensed, and said confidentiality laws limit what it can confirm. Popular Information and CNN also reported finding no evidence of a bar admission. Zacharia has said she practiced international transaction law with appropriate credentials.
What did the Trump press secretary say about Kimberly Guilfoyle?
Newsweek reported that Zacharia confirmed Trump asked Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign following allegations of improper conduct, and that she wished Guilfoyle well.
Who was the White House press secretary before Katie Zacharia?
Karoline Leavitt became White House press secretary in January 2025 and left in August 2026, according to the Associated Press and Newsweek.