Katie Zacharia Mixes Up Trump and Her Husband in Awkward Debut as White House Press Secretary

Katie Zacharia appeared to struggle with her notes and mixed up Donald Trump and her husband during her first White House briefing on Tuesday.

The former conservative commentator took the role after her Fox News appearances attracted Trump's attention, CNN reported. Her debut drew criticism from unnamed officials and advisers, although the president told reporters afterwards, 'I thought she was very good.'

Katie Zacharia's Briefing Lasted About 15 Minutes

While discussing her family, Zacharia mistakenly referred to her husband as 'my president' before correcting herself with 'excuse me, my husband'. The slip occurred as she explained how she intended to balance her new responsibilities with raising four children.

The difficulties came early, as Zacharia read an opening statement promoting Trump's accomplishments. MS NOW described her apparent trouble reading her notes and reported that she could not answer the only policy question she faced.

The briefing lasted about 15 minutes, most of it devoted to the opening statement. Zacharia called on just three reporters, representing Breitbart, Fox News and the Daily Mail, and appeared to have their names written down in advance.

'I am going to end it because President Trump is heading out to Marine One for our historic trip to Alaska, and we can ask him all of the questions out there,' she explained.

She also announced that the White House had requested the resignation of US ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Advisers Question Zacharia's Preparation

Some of the criticism concerned the decision to send Zacharia to the podium so soon after taking the job. One White House official questioned the timing, telling CNN, 'Literally zero reason to put her out on her second day, unprepared.'

A Trump adviser believed she should have spent two weeks preparing. An adviser also drew a distinction between appearing on a cable television panel and facing reporters at the podium.

One assessment of her performance was 'brutal'. A more sympathetic adviser stressed that this was her first briefing and expected Trump to give her the benefit of the doubt.

Former press secretary Karoline Leavitt's briefings averaged about 45 minutes, according to the network. During her first briefing, she called on two 'new media' reporters before an Associated Press correspondent. Leavitt also took questions from journalists standing in the aisles.

'No question we're all missing Karoline,' one adviser told the outlet.

An official speaking to MS NOW offered a similarly critical assessment. 'Getting behind the podium is tough, but she got off on the wrong foot.'

White House communications director Steven Cheung stated that 'Katie is a fabulous and wonderful addition to the team.'

Legal Questions Follow Zacharia

Separate scrutiny has focused on Trump's description of Zacharia as 'an attorney'. CNN reported that it had found no evidence she passed the bar exam in the states where she had lived and worked since graduating from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.

The State Bar of California told the network it had no record of either Kate Sharon Zacharia or Kate Sharon Black, her maiden name, being licensed to practise law in California. That statement concerns California licensing and does not establish her status in other jurisdictions.

A reporter questioned Trump on Tuesday morning about where Zacharia had passed the bar exam. The president turned to her for an answer, and she responded that she had moved to China.