Trump Says Zacharia ‘Freaked Out’ at First Briefing

President Donald Trump said at a Florida rally on October 23 that Katie Zacharia became nervous when reporters questioned her during her first White House briefing, describing her as having “freaked out.” Zacharia, who served five days as press secretary, later said it had been an honor to work for Trump and reaffirmed her loyalty to him. Trump made the remarks while discussing reporters gathered near the White House helipad. He said they had begun shouting questions at Zacharia when she entered the briefing room and suggested she could find easier ways to make a living. His account characterizes her reaction; the available reporting does not independently establish how she felt during the briefing. Zacharia told Newsweek she remained “ruthlessly loyal” to Trump and praised his work with world leaders and American voters. She said she had worked around the clock during her week in the administration, which coincided with a midterm campaign period. Her comments were her own assessment of her time working for the president. Zacharia was appointed press secretary on October 12, after Karoline Leavitt left the role, and her tenure ended October 16. Her first and only briefing took...