White House officials question how long Katie Zacharia can last after 'brutal' press briefing
White House officials have expressed concerns regarding the performance of new press secretary Katie Zacharia following her first briefing. While some advisers criticized the briefing as awkward and unprepared, President Trump publicly defended her performance.
Why it matters
The effectiveness of a White House press secretary is critical for the administration's communication strategy and public image.
Several White House officials are questioning how long Katie Zacharia will keep the press secretary job after her first briefing on Tuesday (all times local), saying her performance was unlikely to satisfy President Donald Trump.
Several advisers and officials offered negative reviews of her performance to CNN, with one characterising it as "brutal". Others described it as unusual, awkward, stilted and, at times, uncomfortable.
Zacharia appeared at the podium for only about 15 minutes, and most of that time was dedicated to an opening statement touting Trump's accomplishments. She called on only three reporters for questions before ending the briefing.
Some White House officials and Trump advisers expressed confusion about why the White House rushed Zacharia to the podium.
Also covering this story
9 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
New White House press secretary a "devoted fan" of Trump and MAGA
Internet can’t stop laughing at White House press secretary’s short and awkward briefing: ‘Is this a hostage video’
US judge allows CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters to keep White House access
U.S. judge backs CNN, MS Now, Politico access to White House
CNN, MS NOW and Politico prevail against White House — for now
Trump’s new White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, keeps first briefing short
Watch: Inside Katie Zacharia's very brief White House briefing
Trump's new White House press secretary was asked about balancing work and motherhood. Here's what she said.
Katie Zacharia set to debut as press secretary, succeeding Leavitt
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in