WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump said Friday that he had advised newly appointed White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia to reconsider her position, citing what he described as unfair treatment by the media.
Speaking to reporters at the White House before leaving for a rally in Georgia, Trump said he had encouraged Zacharia to think carefully about whether she wanted to continue in the demanding role.
Trump referred to Zacharia’s husband and children, describing them warmly and saying he had met her family the previous day. He expressed concern about the media scrutiny she had faced since taking the position.
The president criticised news coverage of Zacharia, arguing that journalists had treated her unfairly and suggesting that the negative attention was unlikely to subside. He said he wanted her to be happy and would support whatever decision she made about her future.
Trump added that the pressure of the position might not suit Zacharia, given the difficulties she had encountered during her first days in the job.
Zacharia was appointed press secretary earlier in October, replacing Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in late August.
Her first White House press briefing took place on Tuesday and lasted approximately 15 minutes. She answered questions from reporters representing just three media outlets before ending the session.
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