Katie Zacharia’s first press briefing bloopers! What went wrong with Trump’s new press secretary and how is she different from Karoline Leavitt

Katie Zacharia’s first White House press briefing lasted just 14 minutes and quickly became a talking point online. Some commentators mocked her delivery and questioned how she handled reporters’ questions. Even though President Donald Trump said he thought she did “very good.”

What happened at Katie Zacharia’s first White House briefing?

Zacharia made her first appearance as White House press secretary on October 13, 2026. She praised Trump’s record and spoke about his plans to campaign for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections. She also highlighted his policies on energy, immigration and taxes, according to The Washington Post.

When Zacharia spoke about balancing work and family life. She accidentally referred to Trump as “my president” before correcting herself to “my husband.” The briefing ended after she said Trump was heading to Marine One and that reporters could ask him questions there.

Why are people making jokes about Katie Zacharia?

Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who now hosts a show on MS NOW, reacted to the briefing on X. "Well, that briefing was basically an SNL skit,” she wrote.

Her comment compared the appearance to Saturday Night Live, the comedy show known for satirizing politicians and public figures. Other commentators focused on Zacharia’s pauses, her reliance on prepared notes and the small number of reporters who were called on.

Also Read: Is Katie Zacharia an attorney? New White House press secretary’s China bar exam remark sparks scrutiny over her legal credentials

Some also compared the situation with Anthony Scaramucci, who served as White House communications director for just 11 days in 2017 during Trump’s first term. Scaramucci responded to the discussion on X by writing, “I hope she makes it.”

Trump publicly praised Zacharia after her first briefing. Asked about her performance as he walked toward Marine One, he said, “I thought she was very good.”

The White House also defended her debut. In an October 13 post, the administration described the briefing as “powerful” and praised her presentation of Trump’s record and policy goals.

Who did Katie Zacharia replace at the White House?

Zacharia replaced Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt served as the 36th White House Press Secretary during President Donald Trump’s second administration from January 2025 until August 2026.

Also Read: White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia goes viral over 'President-Husband' goof up during reporters meet on first day at office. Watch video

Zacharia also used her first briefing to praise Trump and highlight his administration’s work. But her debut was much shorter than the regular briefings associated with the role, and she took questions from only three outlets. She also said she planned to continue Leavitt’s effort to give newer media outlets access to the briefing room.

Katie also mentioned her “My predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, did an incredible job and I completely agree with the choice of a New Media Seat; we are absolutely going to keep it and we are going to expand on it to the extent possible.”

What is Karoline Leavitt doing now?

Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt joined FOX News Media as a contributor, as per the media release on October 5. She will begin her new role providing commentary and analysis on November 1st.

According to the media release, Leavitt added, “I look forward to bringing my unique perspective from my experience as White House Press Secretary, along with the same energy and candor that defined my tenure, to Fox’s millions of viewers across their many platforms.”

Leavitt also worked in Trump’s first administration as a presidential writer and assistant press secretary before that. Leavitt graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2019 with a degree in politics and communication. While in college, she interned at FNC during the 2016 presidential election.

While Katie Zacharia’s legal credentials came under scrutiny after her first White House briefing on October 13. Asked by reporters where she passed the bar exam, the new press secretary replied, “When I moved to China,” without naming a jurisdiction.

The Washington Post reported that it found no record of her admission to practice law in any US jurisdiction. She worked in international transactional law while living in China, but did not clarify whether she holds a US law license.