WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (Nationwide Times) — White House press secretary Katie Zacharia is “transitioning out” of the job, Fox News reported Oct. 16, citing a senior White House official who spoke to its senior White House correspondent, Peter Doocy.
President Donald Trump told reporters the same day that he had urged Zacharia to reconsider taking on the role. He said the media had been brutal to her and he wanted her to be happy. Trump said he would speak with her after returning to the White House and leave the decision to her.
“Katie, do you need this? I don’t think you need this,” Trump said, recounting their conversation.
The White House has not issued a statement or personnel record confirming the reported transition or an effective departure date.
Zacharia gave her first White House briefing Oct. 13, USA Today reported. It lasted 14 minutes, according to The Associated Press, and she answered three questions, Fox News Digital reported. Questions about her legal credentials and qualifications fueled criticism after the briefing, Fox News Digital reported.
MS NOW’s Jake Traylor reported that an unnamed White House official said she “needs to get much better, fast.” Fox News host Sean Hannity defended her after the briefing.
Asked by Doocy whether her role involved White House matters or helping Republicans in the midterms, Zacharia said her goal was to communicate “in complete tandem with the president.” On a question about intelligence sharing with Ukraine, she said, “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
Trump announced Zacharia’s appointment Oct. 9, 2026. In an Oct. 11 Truth Social post, he set her start for Oct. 12 and announced an introductory news conference for Oct. 13 at 9:30 a.m. in the White House briefing room.
Zacharia called taking the job a “distinguished privilege” and said her work would include communicating the administration’s achievements. Former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer said she had Trump’s trust.
Zacharia previously served as a senior communications adviser to Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates Truth Social, Fox News reported. Her predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, announced her departure Aug. 12 and left the position Aug. 27, according to AP.
