Katie Zacharia makes brief debut before reporters in Washington

Katie Zacharia faced reporters for the first time Tuesday at the White House in Washington. The new press secretary answered a handful of questions during a brief fourteen-minute session at the lectern.

Zacharia succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in August for a job with Fox News Channel. President Donald Trump named Zacharia to the post on Friday.

Zacharia previously worked for Trump’s social media company as a conservative commentator. She took questions from only three outlets before ending the briefing.

She directed journalists to question the president on the South Lawn before his campaign trip. Trump was preparing to leave for Alaska on Marine One.

“In fact, I am going to end it because President Trump is heading out to Marine One for our historic trip to Alaska, and we can ask him all of the questions out there,” she said.

Trump spoke to reporters outside as he departed Washington. He praised her initial briefing performance.

“I thought she did excellent,” he said. “She did very good.”

Zacharia began with a prepared statement about Trump’s policies on energy, tariffs and immigration. She also addressed his recent campaign rallies ahead of the midterm elections.

Trump previously called Zacharia a loyal and brilliant supporter from the beginning. She holds a law degree from Pepperdine University.

Zacharia worked earlier this year as a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. She has also appeared as a commentator for Newsmax and Fox News.

She told reporters she aims to amplify Trump’s work. She noted that the president acts as his own best spokesperson.

“I get to do what I was doing on the outside already, which was hoping to amplify, multiply and expand upon President Trump’s incredible agenda for the American people,” she said.

Zacharia expressed gratitude to the president during the appearance. She noted that she wanted to work for him for a long time.

Her first question came from Breitbart News. She pledged to maintain the new media rotation established by Leavitt to include more outlets.

Zacharia also announced a major personnel move regarding the diplomatic post in Greece. She said Trump asked for the resignation of U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Reports alleged that Guilfoyle engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct before and during her tenure in Athens. Zacharia offered brief parting words regarding the departure.

“She has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well,” Zacharia said.

The White House press secretary speaks on behalf of the administration to journalists in Washington. Daily press briefings provide reporters access to question officials regarding federal administration policies. Personnel shifts within diplomatic roles typically require presidential direction.

Trump flew out shortly afterward. He continued his campaign travel schedule.