U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly appointed White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, is leaving the position after less than a week, following criticism of her first press briefing and questions about her professional credentials.
Zacharia, who succeeded Karoline Leavitt, began the role on Monday and held her first White House press briefing on Tuesday. Her departure was confirmed by administration officials on Friday, October 16.
Her brief tenure came under scrutiny after questions emerged about her claims of legal experience. Although she holds a law degree, Zacharia acknowledged in a television interview that she had not passed the bar examination and was not licensed to practise law in the United States.
Trump told reporters he had advised Zacharia to reconsider the position, saying the pressure and media scrutiny surrounding the job could make it difficult for her.
The president also said he was in no rush to appoint a replacement.
Zacharia’s departure leaves the White House without a press secretary at a politically significant time, with the November midterm elections approaching. Her tenure is believed to be the shortest in the history of the position.
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