Trump’s new press secretary faces scrutiny over claims to be a lawyer
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia is facing scrutiny after failing to provide evidence of her legal credentials. Despite describing herself as a lawyer, public records show no licensing, and reports suggest she failed the California bar exam.
Why it matters
The controversy raises questions about the vetting process for high-level political appointees and the transparency of the current administration.
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia walks out to speak with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in Washington. White House press secretary Katie Zacharia walks out to speak with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in Washington. US news Trump’s new press secretary faces scrutiny over claims to be a lawyer Katie Zacharia describes herself as a lawyer but no public record shows she has been licensed in the US states where she resided
Prefer the Guardian on Google Donald Trump ’s new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, has repeatedly described herself as a lawyer. But when asked after her inaugural press briefing on Tuesday to name the state where she passed the bar exam, she replied curiously: “when I moved to China”.
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