Katie Zacharia faces harsh reviews after debut White House press briefing

Katie Zacharia spoke in Washington on Tuesday during her first official briefing as White House press secretary. The former commentator drew quick criticism after taking few questions in a brief 14-minute appearance.

Zacharia previously worked as a commentator for Newsmax. President Donald Trump chose her as his new press secretary. She replaced Karoline Leavitt, who resigned from the post in August. Leavitt held the role for 17 months.

During the session, Zacharia looked downward and often read directly from a prepared script. She paused and grinned when she said the words “Department of War.” She also mixed up the words “husband” and “president.” Zacharia stumbled on an inquiry about her background.

She broke news that the administration asked U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to quit. Guilfoyle resigned immediately.

Zacharia spent much of her opening statement praising the second-term priorities of Trump. Her talking points highlighted energy production, the economy and ties with Venezuela.

Zacharia explained her personal approach to the new assignment.

“I get to do what I was doing on the outside already, which was hoping to amplify, multiply and expand upon President Trump’s incredible agenda for the American people,” Zacharia said.

She called on three reporters before answering one final query as she left. Those questions came from Breitbart, Fox News and the Daily Mail. Zacharia pledged to continue bringing new media into the press room.

“We love new media and we want to be able to embrace it,” she said.

Three major news organizations are currently seeking to restore their credentials in Washington. CNN, MS NOW and Politico lost their building access last month. Trump barred them after criticizing their coverage.

Outside the building, Trump called her initial appearance “excellent.” Zacharia stood directly behind him during the exchange.

Others offered sharper assessments of the event. MS NOW reported that an unnamed administration official criticized the initial performance. The official said she must improve quickly.

Former communications director Anthony Scaramucci commented on X on Tuesday afternoon. He served 11 days in 2017.

“I hope she makes it,” Scaramucci said.

Former press secretary Jen Psaki also posted a critique on social media. Psaki now hosts a program on MS NOW.

“Well that briefing was basically an SNL skit….except it wasnt,” Psaki said.

The position originated when George E. Akerson worked under President Herbert Hoover in 1929. The modern press office coordinates daily updates between the administration and the Washington media corps. Spokespersons typically balance policy announcements with direct questioning from independent journalists.

Zacharia now faces daily oversight in the role.