MAGA defending Trump’s new press secretary, but doubts linger among staff unconvinced by her debut

A difficult first briefing

Three days after starting as White House press secretary, Zacharia faced scrutiny over her debut briefing. She spent eight minutes reading from prepared remarks, then answered questions from three conservative-leaning outlets before leaving quickly.

During the briefing, she confused the president with her husband and said Trump had fired Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece. The performance prompted immediate public support from senior figures in the administration.

Public defenders rally

Communications Director Stephen Cheung called Zacharia’s debut “a tremendous start” in a post on X. The White House account described it as “a commanding inaugural press briefing,” and Trump told reporters, “I thought she was very good.” Supporters also criticized those who mocked her. Rick Santorum said liberal commentators and late-night hosts were targeting her because she is white, while Fox News host Sean Hannity cited criticism of her appearance, speech and legal credentials.

Private doubts inside West Wing

A current West Wing official described the briefing as “beyond brutal” and suggested Zacharia could face a short period to improve. The official said she would need to make rapid progress or leave the position she had worked to secure.

The reporting says White House chief of staff Susie Wiles had sought CNN commentator Scott Jennings for the job after Karoline Leavitt left. Wiles wanted someone experienced and able to manage both press relations and a large staff, as well as advise the president.

Hiring choice recalls first term

Trump selected Zacharia late last week while Wiles was unavailable, despite her limited experience beyond defending him on television. The decision reportedly went against Wiles’s advice and has raised comparisons with choices made during Trump’s first term.

An aide recalled an earlier succession decision: Sarah Huckabee Sanders had brought in Hogan Gidley as her principal deputy and expected successor, but Trump chose Stephanie Grisham, then the first lady’s top spokesperson. The aide compared the current situation to that earlier period, quoting Yankees great Yogi Berra.