The key facts

  • Katie Zachariah is 'transitioning out of the role' of White House press secretary five days after her appointment — confirmed by a White House official to Anadolu.
  • Trump said he advised her to 'reconsider' the job, calling the media coverage 'very unfair'.
  • Zachariah's first briefing on Tuesday lasted about 15 minutes; she took questions from only three outlets.

Departure five days after appointment

White House Press Secretary Katie Zachariah is 'transitioning out' of the role, an administration official told the Anadolu agency on Friday. The confirmation came shortly after President Donald Trump told reporters that he had advised Zachariah to reconsider her decision to hold the post. Zachariah was appointed press secretary in early October, succeeding Karoline Leavitt, who left the position at the end of August.

Trump's words about media pressure

Before departing for a rally in Georgia, Trump told reporters at the White House: 'I told her honestly: if I were in your place, I would reconsider. Think about it, but I would reconsider.' He added that she has a 'wonderful husband and family,' and noted that he had met the family the day before. According to the president, Zachariah was covered in the media 'very badly, very, very badly, very unfairly,' and the news was 'so vicious' that he had 'never seen anything like it.' 'I said: Katie, you know, you don't have to do this,' Anadolu quotes Trump. 'I don't think they will ever ease the pressure.' He also said: 'Look, she has been suffering these past few days... Maybe it's not for her. I just want her to be happy... I will do whatever she wants.'

A short first briefing

Zachariah's first briefing at the White House podium on Tuesday lasted only about 15 minutes. She answered questions from just three outlets, after which she ended the briefing early.