Washington (USA), 17 Oct. (LaPresse) – “It has been an honour to work for” US President Donald Trump. Katie Zacharia wrote this on social media following her decision to step down from her role as White House spokesperson, a post she had taken up just a few days earlier. In a message posted on Friday evening, Zacharia described Trump as “a kind, wonderful, courteous, considerate, enthusiastic and tireless man”. These comments come after a brief and controversial spell marked by criticism of her first press conference and questions over her professional qualifications. Zacharia, appointed on 9 October to replace Karoline Leavitt, held her first and only briefing with journalists on Tuesday, which lasted just 14 minutes and during which she answered questions from three reporters from conservative outlets or those close to the president. Controversy subsequently arose over her having previously presented herself as a lawyer, despite not having passed the bar exam in California. Zacharia defended her use of the term, arguing that she had worked as a lawyer in China and had never offered legal advice in her role at the White House. On Friday, Trump had stated that he had suggested she reconsider the role, criticising the treatment she had received from the media. “I told her: ‘I think it’s better for you to be happy’,” the president said. “If I were you, I’d think it over.” When asked about a possible successor, Trump said that many people would be interested in the role.
US: Zacharia, following her departure from the White House: ‘Honoured to have worked for Trump’
Washington (USA), 17 Oct. (LaPresse) – “It has been an honour to work for” US President Donald Trump. Katie Zacharia wrote this on social media following her decision to step down from her role as White House spokesperson, a post she had taken up just a few days earlier. In a message posted on Friday evening, Zacharia described Trump as “a kind, wonderful, courteous, considerate, enthusiastic and tireless man”. These comments come after a brief and controversial spell marked by criticism of her first press conference and questions over her professional qualifications. Zacharia, appointed on 9 October to replace Karoline Leavitt, held her first and only briefing with journalists on Tuesday, which lasted just 14 minutes and during which she answered questions from three reporters from conservative outlets or those close to the president. Controversy subsequently arose over her having previously presented herself as a lawyer, despite not having passed the bar exam in California. Zacharia defended her use of the term, arguing that she had worked as a lawyer in China and had never offered legal advice in her role at the White House. On Friday, Trump had stated that he had suggested she reconsider the role, criticising the treatment she had received from the media. “I told her: ‘I think it’s better for you to be happy’,” the president said. “If I were you, I’d think it over.” When asked about a possible successor, Trump said that many people would be interested in the role.