Trump

Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, is defending her legal background and short inaugural briefing. Zacharia sat down for an interviews Thursday with conservative media. She explains that her first briefing Tuesday was abrupt because President Donald Trump prefers to engage directly with the media. Zacharia says she received briefing materials late and had limited preparation time. She says she didn't lobby for the press secretary role but was recruited after Trump noticed her TV appearances. Zacharia also is also addressing scrutiny over her legal qualifications, clarifying that she consulted experts to ensure accuracy in her legal analysis. She emphasizes she won't handle legal matters in her current role.

Katie Zacharia is leaving her role as White House press secretary after a brief and challenging tenure. A person familiar with the situation said Friday that Zacharia would be transitioning out. Her departure follows President Donald Trump's comments earlier in the day, suggesting she reconsider her position. Zacharia faced immediate scrutiny during her first briefing on Tuesday, where she appeared uncomfortable and was criticized for her professional background. She had previously described herself as a lawyer without passing a bar exam. Trump said he wanted her to have a good life and avoid media criticism. Zacharia's first official day was Monday.

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia is transitioning out of the role after a brief and rough tenure as President Donald Trump’s chief spokeswoman. A person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that Zacharia is transitioning out of the job. The person was granted anonymity to discuss a personnel decision not yet made public. Trump cast significant doubt on Zacharia’s future earlier Friday, telling reporters that he would have a discussion with her following his weekend travel and that if he were her, he would reconsider the job. Trump was campaigning in Georgia on Friday for a rally with top Republican candidates.