Katie Zacharia Out as White House Press Secretary After Five Days; Speculation Turns to Possible Successors

Katie Zacharia is leaving the role of White House press secretary after roughly five days on the job, according to multiple reports and White House officials.

President Trump told reporters Friday that he had spoken with Zacharia and asked her whether the position was right for her. “Katie’s been treated very badly by the media,” he said. “And I just spoke to her about it. I said ‘Katie, is this for you?’” He added that he told her she did not have to continue if she did not want to and that if he were in her place he would reconsider. Trump said he would leave the final decision to her and that she might continue working for him “in some form, but maybe a more pleasant form.”

The New York Times reported that Zacharia was forced out, citing three people familiar with the matter. A White House official confirmed to other outlets that she was transitioning out of the press secretary role. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung told the Times that Zacharia will be “transitioning into a new role that will be announced at a later date.”

Trump announced Zacharia’s appointment on October 9, praising her loyalty and work with Trump Media & Technology Group and Truth Social. She succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who left in August after the birth of her second child. Zacharia’s first briefing on Tuesday lasted about 14 minutes; she largely read from prepared remarks and took questions from three outlets. Subsequent coverage focused on her statement that she had not passed the bar exam after graduating from Pepperdine University’s law school, despite having been described as an attorney. She also faced a tough interview on Fox News.

Speculation has turned to possible replacements. Names previously floated when Leavitt departed and now circulating again include White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, CNN commentator Scott Jennings, Katie Miller, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, and Alina Habba. Conservative activist Laura Loomer posted on X that she was interested in the role. Prediction markets have listed Kelly and Jennings among the leading contenders. Trump told reporters he was in no rush to name a successor.

Zacharia’s tenure is the shortest of any White House press secretary. Officials have not announced a formal successor. The White House has not detailed the exact timing of her transition or the nature of any new role she may take.