WASHINGTON — President Trump suggested Friday that newly appointed White House press secretary Katie Zacharia may soon leave the position after a bruising run of media appearances and scrutiny surrounding her legal background.
Trump said Zacharia had been treated unfairly by reporters and that he had recently questioned whether the high-profile job was right for her. “Katie’s been treated very badly by the media. Very, very badly, very unfairly, I think,” he told reporters. “She’s a nice person.”
“I’ve watched her for years on television,” Trump said, recounting his conversation with her. “But I said, ‘Is this for you, Katie? Because honestly, you don’t need this.’”
Zacharia began the job Monday but is now expected to be “transitioning out” of the position, according to Fox News.
Trump pointed to criticism from Fox News host Sean Hannity, who he said was “a little bit tough” on Zacharia Thursday night. He also said the hosts of “Fox & Friends” were “a little tough” Friday morning, days after Zacharia delivered a tense, 14-minute debut briefing on Tuesday.
“She’s been treated, I would say, pretty nastily,” Trump said while leaving for a campaign event in Georgia.
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Trump said he had spoken with Zacharia shortly before departing and told her she could step away if she no longer wanted the job. According to Trump, she replied that the role was “a lot tougher.” He responded, “Welcome to the world of Trump.”
When asked whether Zacharia would remain press secretary, Trump said, “I don’t know, we’ll see. I’m going to let her make that decision.”
Even so, his comments indicated that her departure from the role was already being seriously considered.
Trump said he planned to speak with Zacharia upon his return. “I don’t think that Katie should be made to suffer like she’s suffering at the hands of the press,” he told another reporter. “So I will talk to her as soon as I get back.”
Trump added that he hoped to keep Zacharia in his administration “in some form,” though perhaps in “a more pleasant form.”
He also said there would be no shortage of potential replacements. “A lot of people want the job. I bet you’d want it if I offered it to her,” Trump said.
Trump reiterated his belief that Zacharia should not have to endure the intense pressure. “I just think the press has been very tough on Katie,” he said. “There’s no reason for you to have to do this. You’ve got a beautiful family, a fantastic husband and kids.”