Fired after 5 days, Katie Zacharia leaves White House press secretary role; who could replace her after disaster?
Zacharia’s brief tenure
Her first briefing the following day lasted 14 minutes. She read prepared remarks haltingly, referred to her husband as “my president” and took questions from three journalists. The performance drew criticism inside and outside the administration, and she was fired by October 16.
Jennings and Martin mentioned
Trump praised Jennings in August, saying, “Scott Jennings is good.” Asked that month on CNN whether he would take the job, Jennings did not give a direct answer. Margo Martin, a special assistant and communications advisor to Trump who previously hosted at NewsNation, has also been mentioned. Trump suggested her as a possible Leavitt successor in August, asking reporters, “Maybe Margo?”
Bartiromo’s possible candidacy
Maria Bartiromo, a longtime Fox Business host and Trump ally, has also been named as a possible contender. She parted ways with the network in September, but her attorney disputed reports that she had been fired, calling them reckless and untrue.
Trump praised Bartiromo on Truth Social after her departure from Fox News. Axios reported that he had wanted to hire her before choosing Zacharia, but the former host had indicated she would not accept the position.
Key points
- Katie Zacharia was fired five days after taking the White House press secretary job.
- Scott Jennings, Margo Martin, Anna Kelly and Maria Bartiromo have been floated as possible successors.
- Kalshi placed Kelly at 16 percent and Jennings at 14.8 percent as of Monday.
- Axios reported Bartiromo had indicated she would not accept the job.