Even MAGA are cringing over Katie Zacharia’s press secretary debut

Even MAGA are cringing over Katie Zacharia’s press secretary debut One official described the briefing as ‘brutal,’ while others questioned why Zacharia didn’t take more time to prepare - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Katie Zacharia’s rocky debut as White House press secretary drew ridicule from Democrats, left-wing commentators and Jimmy Kimmel. Yet the criticism was not limited to President Donald Trump’s opponents. Multiple White House officials winced at Zacharia’s first briefing on Tuesday, which lasted just 14 minutes — throughout which she took questions from just three journalists. One official described it as “brutal,” while others questioned why she did not take more time to prepare, CNN reported. Some even wondered aloud whether her tenure might be cut short — unlike her predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, who held the role for nearly two years before leaving in August to spend more time with her children. “Katie is a fabulous and wonderful addition to the team,” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement provided to The Independent. “She is uniquely qualified and whip smart to help inform the American people about all the great things President Trump and his Administration have been doing, and she will do an incredible job as Press Secretary.” Trump announced Zacharia as Leavitt’s replacement on October 9, describing her as “a devoted fan and member of MAGA.” A California native and graduate of Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, she previously served as a DHS spokesperson, a Newsmax commentator and an advisor to Truth Social. Questions have been raised about whether or not she ever passed the bar exam. Zacharia, 41, began her Tuesday briefing by reading off prepared remarks in a halting manner. “I am so honored to work for President Trump and the American people,” she said, facing a crowd of reporters in the Brady Press Briefing Room. “I have wanted to work for him for a very long time.” After rattling off a series of the president’s accomplishments, she allowed time for questions from just three reporters — two of whom work at right-wing outlets Fox News and Breitbart. Later, she mistakenly called her husband “my president.” The whole ordeal was over in minutes. Several unnamed Trump officials and advisors then griped to CNN. One called Zacharia’s performance “brutal.” Another said it “wasn’t great.” “No question we’re all missing Karoline,” one advisor told the outlet, referring to Leavitt, who developed a reputation for fast-paced rebuttals. Her briefings lasted an average of 45 minutes. Multiple White House officials also wondered why Zacharia had delivered her first briefing so soon after starting her role just a day earlier “Why did they put her out there so quickly?” one official told CNN. “Literally zero reason to put her out on her second day, unprepared.” A Trump adviser said the “best thing she did” was reveal that Kimberly Guilfoyle, the embattled U.S. ambassador to Greece, had been asked to resign. That revelation took “the focus off of her performance,” the adviser said. Still, Zacharia’s performance received positive feedback from the person who matters most. “I thought she was very good,” Trump told reporters afterward. The 80-year-old president had reportedly become “somewhat infatuated” with her cable news appearances before tapping her as his chief spokesperson. White House press secretaries — who often face grueling schedules and intense public pressure — have historically lasted just a few years or less. Between his two terms, Trump has hired a total of six press secretaries, including Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Kayleigh McEnany. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] VHIITE HOUSE ASHINGTON THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON