Trump Tells Doocy No Urgency in Replacing Katie Zacharia

Trump Says He Is in No Rush to Replace Katie Zacharia as White House Press Secretary

President Trump told Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy during a phone conversation Friday that he sees no urgency in selecting a new White House press secretary following Katie Zacharia’s departure from the role after less than a week on the job.

Speaking from Air Force One en route to a midterm rally in Georgia, Trump indicated that operations in the briefing room have proceeded smoothly in recent weeks without a permanent appointee. The president described the situation as stable and noted the absence of a shortlist for the position despite interest from multiple individuals who view the job as a high-profile opportunity.

just talked to POTUS, he says he’s in no rush to name a replacement for Katie Zacharia https://t.co/F8G1Y6RLF9

— Peter Doocy (@pdoocy) October 16, 2026

A senior White House official confirmed to Doocy that Zacharia is transitioning out of the press secretary position. Trump addressed her situation directly in his conversation with Doocy, stating he wants her to be happy and is willing to accommodate her preferences. He acknowledged the scrutiny she faced in recent days and left the decision about her future with her, framing the move as one focused on personal well-being rather than any forced change.

The president emphasized continuity, pointing out that the communications team has managed daily interactions effectively since Caroline Leavitt, the previous press secretary, stepped aside. Trump told Doocy that things have been going okay for the past couple of weeks without a permanent spokesperson at the lectern.

Trump has continued to handle a substantial portion of direct press interactions himself. Earlier Friday on the South Lawn, he fielded dozens of questions from reporters on multiple topics. This approach aligns with the administration’s view that frequent presidential engagement reduces the immediate need for a dedicated podium spokesperson ahead of the midterms.

Zacharia’s brief tenure as press secretary was marked by intense media scrutiny over her background and credentials, including questions about whether she passed the bar exam and details about her work for a law firm in China. During her single briefing earlier in the week, she faced questions about her legal credentials that she acknowledged were never raised during the hiring process.

The same White House official who confirmed Zacharia’s transition noted plans for her and her family to join Vice President JD Vance and his spouse Usha for dinner at the vice president’s residence Friday evening, suggesting an amicable parting and continued role within the administration.

Trump told Doocy that a lot of people have been calling him about the press secretary position because they recognize the job makes you a star. However, the president indicated that the current arrangement allows flexibility, with no timetable set for filling the role. This stance reflects a preference for assessing performance based on results rather than rushing to install a new face at the briefing room lectern.

The president’s comments to Doocy suggest a deliberate approach to the vacancy, prioritizing operational continuity over quick replacement. With Trump himself taking the majority of press questions and the communications team managing daily interactions, the administration appears comfortable operating without a traditional press secretary for the time being.

Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, who lasted 11 days in his role, commented on social media about Zacharia’s even shorter tenure, noting that records are made to be broken but that he takes no pleasure in other people’s pain.

The absence of a permanent press secretary ahead of crucial midterm elections represents an unusual operational posture for the White House, but Trump’s preference for direct media engagement has long defined his approach to presidential communication. The question now is whether the administration will maintain this arrangement through the November elections or eventually name a new spokesperson to manage the daily briefing room duties.

For conservative voters watching this situation unfold, the president’s measured response and focus on Zacharia’s personal well-being demonstrates leadership that prioritizes people over optics, while his willingness to handle press interactions directly reflects the hands-on approach his supporters have long valued.