WASHINGTON, US – White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia is reportedly “transitioning out” of her position just days after her first briefing at the White House podium drew criticism over its brevity and the limited number of questions she took.
A senior White House official confirmed the development, according to reports, following Zacharia’s debut appearance on Tuesday, which lasted just 14 minutes and saw her field only three questions.
US President Donald Trump denied dismissing Zacharia, saying he wanted her to have a good life after what he described as harsh treatment by the media.
“No no. I want her to have a good life she’s been brutalised by the media,” Trump told reporters.
Trump Says He Urged Her To Reconsider
Trump said he had spoken to Zacharia shortly before addressing reporters and had encouraged her to reconsider remaining in the role.
“You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” he told her, adding that he believed she was better off being happy.
The president also acknowledged the pressures associated with the position, saying: “There’s nothing easy about this job.”
His remarks came amid growing scrutiny of Zacharia’s brief first appearance at the White House briefing room podium.
Fox News Reports Transition
Moments after Trump’s comments, Fox News reported that Zacharia was in the process of “transitioning out” of the position.
The development follows criticism of her inaugural briefing, which lasted 14 minutes and included just three questions from reporters.
Further details about the timing of her departure and the arrangements for a successor were not immediately available.
More to follow…
