Katie Zacharia is now the White House press secretary. President Donald Trump picked her to succeed Karoline Leavitt, and Zacharia describes herself as a “hardline Trump supporter.”
Her first week has already made headlines for two reasons: a short debut briefing, and questions about her legal credentials.
When Was Katie Zacharia Named Press Secretary?
- Trump confirmed the appointment in a Truth Social post, saying he was confident she would deliver strong results for the country.
- Trump said she would begin her term on Columbus Day, Monday, with an introductory news conference on Tuesday.
- Wikipedia lists her as the 37th White House press secretary.
What Happened at Her First Briefing?
Zacharia held her first press briefing on Tuesday, October 13.
- About half of the briefing was a list of Trump’s achievements, and the whole event lasted roughly 15 minutes.
- She announced that the administration had asked Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign as U.S. ambassador to Greece.
- Her first question went to Breitbart News, a right-wing outlet that has grown more influential in the Trump era.
- She said her job is to “amplify” what Trump is doing.
Is Katie Zacharia a Lawyer? The Bar Exam Questions
This is the most-searched question about her right now.
What Reporters Asked
A reporter asked which state she passed the bar exam in. Zacharia answered, “When I moved to China.”
What the Records Show
- Her LinkedIn profile lists a law degree from Pepperdine and work as an associate at a Beijing law firm.
- Independent outlet Popular Information found no evidence that she passed a bar exam or was admitted to the bar in any state.
- The San Francisco Chronicle reported that she is not listed with the State Bar of California, where she lives and attended law school.
- The Washington Post noted that China does not allow noncitizens to practice in its courtrooms.
The White House Response
Zacharia said in a statement that she practiced international transaction law “with all the appropriate credentials,” but she did not say whether she passed the bar in any state. A White House official said she moved to China with her husband for his job and worked on international transaction law there.
No official body has issued a finding. These are questions raised by media reports and by her own answer.
How Old Is Katie Zacharia?
Reports differ slightly. Some outlets say she is 41, while The New Republic says 42. Wikipedia lists her birth year as 1984 or 1985, and her maiden name as Black. The safest answer is about 41 to 42 years old.
Who Is Katie Zacharia’s Husband?
Reports name her husband as Tyler, and say the couple lived in Beijing from 2011 to 2013. According to a White House official, he worked at a U.S. private equity firm. One report says she lives in California with her husband and four children.
Katie Zacharia’s Career So Far
- She has worked as a communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group, which runs Truth Social.
- She also briefly worked at the Department of Homeland Security as a spokeswoman for then-Secretary Kristi Noem.
- She is expected to join Fox News as an on-air contributor next month.
- She is the sixth press secretary to serve under Trump.
Why Did Karoline Leavitt Leave?
- Trump announced on August 12 that Leavitt would leave at the end of the month to spend more time with her young children and family.
- She was 28, the youngest press secretary ever, and had returned from parental leave after her second child was born in May.
- Leavitt said Trump asked her to keep serving as a top adviser from outside the White House.
- Her exit came less than three months before the November midterm elections.
Zacharia said Leavitt gave her “wonderful feedback” on the job.
The Associated Press and the White House Press Corps
Zacharia inherits a tense relationship with reporters. After the Associated Press refused to use the name “Gulf of America,” its reporters lost access to some White House events and presidential travel, and access to senior communications officials has also been reduced. One report says the relationship between the media and the White House is growing more contentious as she starts.
FAQs
1. Who is Trump’s new press secretary?
Katie Zacharia, who replaced Karoline Leavitt.
2. When did Katie Zacharia start?
She began on Monday, October 12, and held her first briefing on October 13.
3. Is Katie Zacharia a lawyer?
She has a law degree from Pepperdine, but reports found no record of her being admitted to the bar in any U.S. state. She says she practiced with the appropriate credentials.
4. Where did Katie Zacharia pass the bar exam?
She said “when I moved to China” and did not name a U.S. state.
5. How old is Katie Zacharia?
About 41 to 42, depending on the report.
6. Who is Katie Zacharia’s husband?
Reports name him as Tyler.
7. Why did Karoline Leavitt leave?
She said she wanted more time with her young children and family. She remains an outside adviser to Trump.
