White House press secretary Katie Zacharia out after just days in role

White House official confirmed to AFP on condition of anonymity. — AFP file pic

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Summary

• A White House official announced that Press Secretary Katie Zacharia was leaving her role after a few days due to poor press briefing performance.
• Zacharia faced scrutiny over her resume, leading to her departure.
• Her transition out of the role was confirmed by a White House official to AFP anonymously.

First Published: Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 10:24 AM MYT

WASHINGTON, Oct 17 — A White House official said Friday that Press Secretary Katie Zacharia was leaving her role after just a few days on the job, following a lackluster press briefing performance and scrutiny over her resume.

Asked about reports that Zacharia was “transitioning” out of the role, a White House official confirmed to AFP on condition of anonymity. — AFP