White House press secretary Katie Zacharia leaving after brief tenure

Katie Zacharia is departing from her role as White House press secretary after a short and difficult tenure, according to multiple reports including the Associated Press and WDIO. Her time in the position was marked by questions about her professional credentials and her handling of questions during her only press briefing.

President Donald Trump publicly expressed doubts about Zacharia's future in the role, telling reporters he advised her to reconsider the job. Trump said he believed she had been treated unfairly by the press but suggested she might be happier stepping away.

Zacharia's appointment was unexpected when announced on October 9, succeeding Karoline Leavitt, who had been a long-time member of Trump's inner circle. The chaotic nature of Zacharia's brief tenure has drawn comparisons to personnel issues from Trump's first term.

The White House has not officially confirmed Zacharia's departure, and she did not respond to requests for comment.