White House press secretary Katie Zacharia dismissed after five days

Katie Zacharia's tenure as White House press secretary lasted less than one week, with President Donald Trump firing her shortly after hiring her, Hindustan Times reported. Her first briefing was marked by scrutiny over her legal credentials and difficult interviews, which increased pressure on her before her departure.

According to Hindustan Times, Zacharia was initially praised by Trump for her "unblemished record of support" and frequent appearances on television defending his presidency. She was announced as the successor to Karoline Leavitt within hours of meeting Trump in Washington, D.C.

Zacharia's first briefing in the White House press room lasted only 14 minutes, during which she read prepared remarks praising Trump and addressed questions from reporters. The Independent noted that she expressed honor at working for Trump and highlighted his administration's successes.

The Guardian reported that Zacharia's firing reopened the contest for the White House press secretary role. Potential successors mentioned include Steven Cheung, the current White House communications director; Anna Kelly, the principal deputy press secretary; and Katie Miller, a conservative podcast host and wife of a top White House aide.

Laura Loomer has also expressed interest in the position following Zacharia's exit, according to Hindustan Times. The White House is now once again without a press secretary, continuing a recent pattern of rapid turnover in the role.

The situation remains fluid as the Trump administration searches for a new press secretary to fill the vacancy left by Zacharia's departure.