Zacharia Leaves White House Role as Press-Room Move Unconfirmed

Katie Zacharia’s tenure as White House press secretary ended October 16 after five days, while President Donald Trump’s reported discussions about moving the press briefing room remain unconfirmed as an adopted plan. Zacharia announced her departure in a farewell message, according to reports about her exit. She had been named to replace Karoline Leavitt on October 9. Leavitt, who left the role in August, later said in a Fox News interview that the job was not the right fit for Zacharia and expressed goodwill toward her. Trump had publicly suggested Zacharia reconsider the job before she left, saying she was facing intense criticism. Her short tenure followed an initial briefing that drew scrutiny. Accounts differ on whether that appearance was on October 12 or October 13; it lasted about 14 or 15 minutes, according to the reports. Zacharia took questions from three reporters, and one account said she promised to follow up on a question about intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The White House has not announced a permanent replacement. One report said an appointment was not expected before the November 3 midterm elections. Zacharia has since joined Fox News as a contributor and...