(Image: Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
US President Donald Trump's press secretary has been fired five days after starting the job.
Mr Trump suggested earlier on Friday that his new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, might not stay in the job much longer.
“I told her, ‘I think you’re better off being happy’,” Mr Trump said.
He also noted that Ms Zacharia had been treated “very unfairly” by the press and said that he had told her she had a great life and family without having to be press secretary.
Mr Trump said he would make a final determination later.
Come the evening it was confirmed to the BBC by the White House that Katie Zacharia is "transitioning out" of her role as White House press secretary.
The New York Times reported Zacharia had been fired. While Fox News also reported she was “transitioning out” of the role.
President Donald Trump walks out along with White House press secretary Katie Zacharia to talk to reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) (Image: Manuel Balce Ceneta)
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President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before walking to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) (Image: Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
In comments to reporters on the lawn as he left the White House for Georgia, Mr Trump was asked who might replace Ms Zacharia should she leave and said that many people would want the job.
“I told Katie, in my opinion, she was treated very unfairly,” Mr Trump said, adding that Ms Zacharia has been “brutalised by the media”.
Zacharia had a rocky start as the Oval Office press secretary, with her first briefing on Tuesday being slated by the press. She had also faced questions over her legal credentials after admitting she did not pass the bar exam.