Zacharia says Trump didn't ask whether she passed bar exam

White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia was dismissed from her position after President Donald Trump announced on Friday that she had been "let go," according to a White House official. The president had spoken to Zacharia about the negative media coverage she had faced, telling her that she was "better off being happy" and that he did not want her to experience a life like the one she had led in recent days.

Trump stated that he would make a final decision on her future later, potentially after his campaign travel, saying, "When I get back, we're gonna talk." He added that he believed Zacharia had been "treated very unfairly." Fox News reported that Zacharia, 41, was transitioning out of the White House shortly after the president's remarks.

Zacharia assumed her role just five days prior, replacing Karoline Leavitt, who had attempted to modernize White House coverage by engaging more friendly media outlets and targeting critical press. Zacharia's tenure began with a difficult press room briefing on Tuesday, lasting less than 15 minutes, during which she read a list of Trump's accomplishments in a slow manner before taking only three questions from journalists.

The press secretary's situation worsened on Thursday when it came to light that she had falsely claimed to be a lawyer. Further controversy arose when Zacharia criticized China, whom President Trump had welcomed for a state visit, referencing her perception that China would soon surpass the United States. Upon learning of this, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, suggested that Zacharia should visit China more often.

Major news agencies, including Reuters, Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse, covered the story.