Leavitt slams Zacharia's 5-day press secretary stint

Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has delivered a blunt verdict on her successor, Katie Zacharia, calling her five-day stint in the role 'obviously not for her' ^[1]. The comments come after Trump abruptly fired Zacharia just days after her appointment on October 12, with her first briefing lasting only 14 minutes and drawing criticism for her performance and preparation ^[3]. Leavitt, who served as press secretary during Trump’s second term and stepped down in August to focus on her family, said she has been helping the president select a replacement ^[2]. She emphasized the job’s demands, recounting how she spent over two months preparing for her own debut briefing.

Zacharia, a former Newsmax contributor and Homeland Security spokesperson, faced scrutiny over her legal credentials after it emerged she failed the California bar exam in 2011, though she had worked as a legal analyst in Beijing ^[1]. Her brief tenure was further undermined by a combative interview on Sean Hannity’s show, where she was challenged over her self-identification as a lawyer ^[2]. Despite the backlash, Zacharia has remained silent in public, declining interviews and focusing on supporting Trump’s agenda. According to one source, her decision to avoid media coverage stems from loyalty to the president, though this claim has not been confirmed.

Administration sources say no replacement is expected before the November midterm elections ^[2]. Leavitt, now set to join Fox News as a political contributor in November, said Trump knows he needs someone 'tough, smart, loyal' to handle the press room ^[4]. The top contenders for the role include Anna Kelly, Scott Jennings, and Elizabeth Pipko, with Kelly currently favoured by Kalshi bettors. The swift turnover raises concerns ahead of a critical election period. The story was first reported by Daily Mail and New York Post.