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Trump's New Press Secretary Zacharia Did Not Pass Bar Exam
Confirmed
In Short: White House press secretary Katie Zacharia did not pass the California bar exam after graduating from law school, according to a senior administration official.
The revelation adds to the controversy surrounding Zacharia's appointment, which has been widely criticized since her debut at the podium.
Zacharia, who previously worked for Trump's social media company Truth Social, was touted by President Trump as a 'loyal and brilliant supporter' and 'an attorney,' despite evidence suggesting she is not a licensed lawyer.
Popular Information searched for evidence in all 50 states, plus D.C., that Zacharia was admitted to practice law anywhere and found none.
Zacharia's debut as White House press secretary was marked by confusion and criticism.
She announced on her first day that the White House had asked Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign as U.S. ambassador to Greece.
Zacharia's briefing was notably short, with questions from conservative outlets, and she struggled to deliver clear answers.
Trump announced Zacharia's appointment on Columbus Day, and she began her role on Tuesday, October 10, 2026.
Zacharia previously served as spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security and is a graduate of Pepperdine University and the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.
She thanked Trump for the appointment, calling it 'the honor of a lifetime' and pledging to communicate the administration's accomplishments to the public.
Zacharia's appointment comes nearly two months after Karoline Leavitt's departure, though the timing of her start remains unclear.
Zacharia's debut has been widely panned, with many criticizing her performance and the administration's decision to appoint her.
Zacharia's background in conservative media and her close ties to the Trump family have raised questions about her qualifications for the role.
What this adds
The news adds to the confusion surrounding President Trump's decision to hire Zacharia, who had worked for his social media company for only a few months when he announced her appointment.
Zacharia's debut as White House press secretary was widely panned, with many criticizing her performance and the administration's decision to appoint her.
Zacharia's background in conservative media and her close ties to the Trump family have raised questions about her qualifications for the role.
Background
President Donald Trump announced Katie Zacharia will replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, starting on Columbus Day.
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Katie Zacharia will begin her role as White House press secretary on Columbus Day, starting with an introductory news conference on Tuesday at 9:30 A.M.
What's confirmed
- White House press secretary Katie Zacharia did not pass the California bar exam when she took it after graduating from law school, according to a senior administration official.
- Everyone is dunking on Katie Zacharia’s debut as White House press secretary.
- Zacharia previously served as spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security and is a graduate of Pepperdine University, and the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.
- President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that his newly selected press secretary, Katie Zacharia, will be starting on Columbus Day.
- “I am pleased to announce that Katie Zacharia will be beginning her term as Press Secretary tomorrow, Columbus Day, and will be doing an introductory News Conference on Tuesday at 9:30 A.M. from the Press Briefing Room in the White House. Katie has been with me, in spirit, from the very beginning, and will do a fantastic job!” the president said.
- "Serving President Trump and the American people at this critical 250-year mark is the honor of a lifetime. President Trump has shown America that we can be great again, and he works to effectuate that greatness every single day. His confidence is a true privilege, and his leadership is a blessing to this country."
- She appeared on "Fox & Friends Weekend" on Saturday in her new role, touting President Donald Trump's newly announced deal with Russia to supply more than 1.8 million tons of diesel fuel to U.S. and global markets in a bid to lower fuel and grocery costs.
What's still developing
- WATCH: White House press secretary's debut brings news of Guilfoyle's exit From 2011 to 2013, it says, she served as an associate on the International Practice Team at the Zhong Lun Law Firm in Beijing.
- In 2016, the Mercer family—part of the Breitbart ownership group— gave $3.4 million to “Trump’s campaign, the Republican Party and a family super PAC that backed the businessman’s presidential bid and was run by Kellyanne Conway.” You will recall that Kellyanne Conway would go on to work in Trump’s White House, too.
- She will join Kayleigh McEnany as the second of Trump's press secretaries to work for Fox.
- It comes after Trump Media unveiled in July that for a fee it would give banks and trading firms “the fastest” access to posts from influential Truth Social accounts, such as the president’s, whose posts often move global markets.
- However, while White House officials confirmed that she was offered and selected for the position, Zacharia has not publicly confirmed or issued an official statement stating she has accepted the role.
- OAN Staff Brooke Mallory 12:43 PM – Friday, October 9, 2026 In a major reshuffling of the administration’s communications team, 42-year-old attorney and conservative commentator Katie Zacharia has been chosen to serve as the new White House press secretary.
- In a statement, Trump said, 'Katie has been with me, in spirit, from the very beginning, and will do a fantastic job!' He also noted her 'unblemished record of support' and her role in his campaigns, where she assisted in key swing states.
- Trumpworld insiders told the Washington Examiner that Trump wanted to remake the entire White House messaging apparatus, prioritizing an incoming press secretary’s on-air appearances over behind-the-scenes managerial aspects.