Former White House press secretary Katie Zacharia said a friendly relationship with Fox News host Sean Hannity left her unprepared for his questions, and she would accept the job again if President Donald Trump asked.
Zacharia made the comments Tuesday on Newsmax’s Finnerty, speaking with host Rob Finnerty. She said she expected a different tone because she and Hannity had previously been on friendly terms. She also cited public remarks Hannity made Oct. 13 that she viewed as supportive. She said the two had not discussed her education before that interview.
Their Fox News interview took place Oct. 15, a day before Zacharia left her post. Hannity asked whether she had passed the California bar exam and called her sole White House briefing “widely panned.” His questions came amid criticism of Zacharia’s repeated use of the title “lawyer” despite not passing the exam.
Finnerty asked whether she would return to Hannity’s program. Zacharia said she does not shy away from difficult interviews, citing appearances on CNN and debates with guests she considered hostile. She said she had handled such exchanges with composure. The Independent reported that she unfollowed Hannity on social media after their interview.
Zacharia said she would work for Trump again “in a heartbeat.” Although she was uncertain about wanting to return as press secretary, she said she would take the role if Trump asked. On Oct. 16, Trump told reporters he had advised her to reconsider, adding, “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want.” EconoTimes previously covered Trump’s advice that she reconsider.
Trump announced Zacharia’s appointment Oct. 9, and she began the job Oct. 12. Her five-day tenure included one press briefing. Asked who could take the role, she named news anchor Maria Bartiromo, describing her as tough and loyal and saying she understood business and politics.
