White House correspondents described the five-day tenure of President Donald Trump's press secretary Katie Zacharia as brutal, with one reporter telling Fox News Digital the experience was shocking. Zacharia, who took the podium Tuesday following the August departure of her predecessor Karoline Leavitt, faced immediate criticism for her demeanor and briefing management. During her debut, she called on only three reporters, a detail cited by critics as evidence of a nervous performance that starkly contrasted with the previous administration's standard.
A second White House reporter stated they knew Zacharia would be out two minutes into her prepared remarks on Tuesday. The correspondent noted that the shift from Leavitt was drastic, describing Leavitt as dignified, professional, and substantive. The reporter argued that Leavitt set a new standard for the role, asserting that a press secretary must be more than just visually appealing or good on television.
Another correspondent expressed surprise that Trump offered Zacharia the position, noting that the president is usually accurate in identifying who possesses the necessary skills. This reporter stated there was no excuse for Zacharia's first briefing performance, emphasizing that the role requires being the best communicator to speak to the American people on the president's behalf. While no one expected Zacharia to have all the answers, the correspondent said basic communication skills were absent. A fourth reporter suggested that Zacharia might have performed better than former press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre with more preparation time, but characterized her start as brutal.
Beyond the podium performance, Zacharia's repeated claims of having been a lawyer emerged as a significant factor in her departure. The fourth White House reporter identified these claims as a bigger threat to her future in the administration than her first day at the podium. A fifth correspondent held mixed views, stating that Zacharia deserved no sympathy for accepting a job for which she was manifestly unqualified. The reporter noted that Zacharia knew her embellished resume would eventually be exposed.
The correspondent also criticized Trump for being antsy and impulsive, suggesting he wanted a new press secretary immediately rather than waiting for a more competent candidate. The reporter mentioned current White House communications staffers Anna Kelly and Lauren Bis as individuals capable of handling the job who were not considered by Trump. The correspondent argued that Trump subjected Zacharia to humiliation because he did not want to be told no, leaving her as a national punchline.
A sixth White House correspondent stated it does not matter who serves as press secretary during the current administration, citing Trump's frequent changes of mind and lies as the primary issue. NBC News White House correspondent Garrett Haake said the ouster highlights a bigger problem for the Trump White House with two weeks until the midterms. Haake noted that the administration is struggling to drive any message, citing meandering rallies, staff stories taking up oxygen, and long gaggles.
White House communications director Steven Cheung responded to the criticism by telling Fox News Digital that it is cringe-worthy for reporters to cackle among themselves because they lack the talent to take on such an important job. Cheung accused reporters of having thin skin and complaining when they are on the receiving end of criticism.
Peter Doocy, a senior White House correspondent for Fox News, reported on Friday that Zacharia is moving out of the role after Trump voiced doubts about her suitability during remarks to reporters. The president said he had spoken with Zacharia to ask if the position was right for her and advised her to reconsider if she were in his place. He later added that it may not be for her. The search for a new White House press secretary continues after Leavitt joined Fox News as a contributor in August.