14.10.2026 08:40
White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia drew attention at her first press briefing in the role by accidentally using a phrase referring to U.S. President Donald Trump while mentioning her husband. The fact that journalists were given only about 5 minutes to ask questions during the briefing, which lasted only 14 minutes, was also criticized. While the American press found Zacharia's performance unsuccessful, Trump announced that he was pleased with his new spokesperson.
The first performance before journalists by Katie Zacharia, who is said to be the White House's new press secretary, sparked debate. In the press briefing that lasted only 14 minutes, it was alleged that Zacharia, while mentioning her spouse, accidentally used an expression referring to US President Donald Trump.
FIRST PRESS BRIEFING LASTED ONLY 14 MINUTES
According to reports, Katie Zacharia appeared before members of the press for the first time in her new role at the White House. Zacharia, who spent most of the meeting, which lasted a total of 14 minutes, reading the statements she had prepared, praised US President Donald Trump's work. It was stated that about 5 minutes were allocated for journalists to ask questions.
SHE MADE A SLIP OF THE TONGUE WHILE MENTIONING HER SPOUSE
The most striking moment of the briefing occurred when Zacharia was asked how she would carry out her duties while raising her four children.
It was alleged that Zacharia, answering the question, accidentally described her spouse as president while talking about him.
It was reported that Zacharia quickly noticed her mistake, corrected her words, and tried to laugh off the situation.
CRITICISM POURED IN FROM THE US PRESS
Zacharia's first press briefing caused differing assessments in the American media. The Independent described the new spokesperson's 14-minute briefing as a troubled start, while the New York Post drew attention to Zacharia's tense demeanor and her frequent resort to the notes she had prepared.
The Daily Beast, meanwhile, criticized the limited time allotted to journalists and the answers given during the briefing. It was stated that Zacharia took questions from only three news organizations.
TRUMP BACKS HIS NEW SPOKESPERSON
Despite criticism in the press, US President Donald Trump said he was pleased with his new spokesperson's performance.
Trump, assessing Zacharia's first press briefing, said he found her performance quite good.
The White House also issued a statement assessing Zacharia's start in the role positively.