Trump’s new spokeswoman is a ‘devoted fan’ who lived in Beijing and speaks Chinese
Before she addresses the world from behind the White House briefing room podium this week, 42-year-old Katie Zacharia has a story that stretches far beyond Washington’s power corridors. Years before US President Donald Trump appointed her as his new press secretary, she lived in Beijing, worked at one of China’s leading law firms, and learned enough Chinese to occasionally surprise people. Her…
Katie Zacharia, a 42-year-old press spokeswoman for President Donald Trump, is set to take on a role that intertwines her past experiences in Beijing and conservative politics with the current administration's foreign relations. Before her appointment to the White House, Zacharia lived in Beijing, worked at a leading Chinese law firm, and learned Chinese, demonstrating her committed fascination with the country and its culture.
William Simon, a senior fellow at the Quincy Institute, suggests that her Chinese exposure could prove valuable as the Trump administration engages with China at international summits and navigates trade and security tensions. Her work at a prominent Chinese law firm and her involvement with non-profit organizations highlight her ability to bring a nuanced perspective on China to the White House.
Zacharia's language skills, while limited, could offer her a unique understanding of Chinese society and communicate the administration's position more effectively.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
