Donald Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia muddled her husband with her boss during her first White House briefing, but the president was quick to give her his backing.
Katie was discussing how she would juggle the demands of the job with raising four children when she caught herself making an unfortunate slip.
"So, my president, excuse me, my husband, that's a good one," she said, before continuing her explanation about her family's visit to Washington.
Later, with Katie standing behind him, Trump offered his assessment of her debut: "I thought she did excellent. She did very good."
© Anadolu via Getty ImagesKatie Zacharia's husband slip during first White House briefing
The exchange came during Katie's first appearance at the lectern on Tuesday, 13 October, four days after Trump announced her appointment.
Asked how she planned to manage the role while her husband and children were based in California, Katie began by acknowledging the support she receives at home. "Well, first of all, I want to give my husband an amazing shoutout," she said.
She explained that the couple have four children, aged 12, ten, eight and six, including three boys.
© CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty ImagAfter correcting her husband-and-president mix-up, Katie explained that her husband had brought all four children to Washington for two family birthdays. She said the family would be moving to the capital.
The briefing lasted approximately 14 minutes, with Katie taking questions from three outlets before directing reporters towards the president's departure for a campaign trip.
© Getty ImagesKatie Zacharia's family life with husband Tyler
Katie's husband, Tyler Zacharia, works in the entertainment industry as a film producer and chief operating officer at 2521 Entertainment.
The couple have been together since at least 2016 and are now preparing to bring their family life into the orbit of the White House.
During the briefing, Katie said she had stayed home with her children from 2014 to 2020 before returning to work. She also credited predecessor Karoline Leavitt with offering advice and support as she prepared to take over. "I love being with my kids," Katie told reporters, explaining her intention to include them in her working life wherever possible.
© AFP via Getty ImagesDonald Trump backs Katie Zacharia's debut
Katie arrived in the role after working as a communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group. Her experience also includes a public affairs position at the Department of Homeland Security and appearances on Fox News and Newsmax.
She graduated from Pepperdine University in 2007 and earned her law degree there in 2011. Introducing herself to reporters, she said: "I am so honored to work for President Trump and the American people as the new White House Press Secretary."
