White House press secretary Katie Zacharia confirms she failed bar exam

Washington, United States. White House press secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed she failed the bar exam and never made a second attempt, following questions about her legal background before becoming US President Donald Trump’s chief spokeswoman.

Questions over legal credentials

During an appearance late Thursday on Hannity, the Fox News programme, Zacharia acknowledged the failed exam when host Sean Hannity asked about it. Asked whether she had taken the examination again, she said she had not.

Zacharia began her White House role on Monday. She had previously described herself as having practised law before moving into politics, while Trump had called her an attorney.

According to Pepperdine University, Zacharia received her law degree there in 2011. Almost all licensed lawyers in the United States obtain a law degree before qualifying, but graduates must also gain admission to a state bar before they can legally practise.

First briefing draws criticism

At her debut briefing on Tuesday, Zacharia answered questions from only three reporters and concluded the session before 15 minutes had elapsed.

Some commentators in the media and political analysts criticised her performance. Trump, however, told reporters: “I thought she was very good.”

When Hannity asked her to assess the briefing, Zacharia said she had stepped up to hold the press conference despite having very little time to prepare.