In an exclusive statement to Newsweek, Katie Zacharia said she remained loyal to President Donald Trump after her five-day tenure as White House press secretary.
She credited Trump with working with world leaders on hostage releases and peace efforts. She also praised his campaigning for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump announced Zacharia’s appointment Oct. 9. She began Oct. 12, and her departure was reported Oct. 16, as detailed in EconoTimes’ coverage of her departure. During her brief tenure, her legal credentials drew scrutiny. In an Oct. 15 Fox News interview, Zacharia said she had not retaken the California bar exam.
At an Oct. 23 rally in Florida, Trump said Zacharia had been overwhelmed by reporters during her first White House briefing, The Independent reported. Trump had said on Oct. 16 that he urged her to reconsider taking the job.
Separately, White House communications director Steven Cheung jokingly suggested rapper Nicki Minaj for the post in an Oct. 25 social media post. Minaj appeared with Trump at a Michigan campaign event that day.
