After ‘proper toilets’ remark, China extends open invitation to Katie Zacharia for another visit

Invitation follows toilet comment

China invited Zacharia to return after her remarks about the country’s toilets. In a Thursday interview with podcaster Jack Posobiec, she recalled thinking China could not be the next country on the horizon because it lacked “proper toilets.” She made the comment while discussing perceptions in 2016 that the United States’ strongest days were behind it and China was gaining prominence. The remark came after China’s president had received a red-carpet welcome from Trump.

Zacharia’s work in China

Zacharia’s LinkedIn profile says she worked at Zhong Lun Law Firm from 2011 to 2013, after moving to China with her husband. The firm is described as one of China’s largest.

Chinese law firms can employ foreign nationals, but foreign nationals cannot be licensed as lawyers in the country. Zacharia, a former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, had been expected to travel with Trump to Shenzhen for next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Brief tenure ends after missteps

Zacharia had started as White House press secretary less than a week before losing the job. She took over after Karoline Leavitt left the administration earlier this year; the White House had called Zacharia “uniquely qualified and whip-smart.” Trump told reporters on Friday that he had suggested Zacharia step aside. “I said to her honestly, if I were you, I'd reconsider [her position],” he said.