Donald Trump's new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, is attracting attention beyond the White House briefing room as older bikini and fitness photographs circulate online.
The images, credited to her Instagram account, offer a glimpse of her life before taking on the high-profile role.
In one, Katie poses aboard a boat in a pale blue bikini and sunglasses, with turquoise water behind her. Another shows her standing on a paddleboard in a patterned two-piece.
Their renewed circulation comes as Katie addresses a separate controversy concerning her legal qualifications. On Thursday, 15 October, she confirmed she had not passed the California bar exam.
© InstagramKatie Zacharia's older bikini photographs resurface
The photographs show the new spokeswoman enjoying time outdoors, including a selfie wearing a bicycle helmet, reflective sunglasses and a black sports bra.
The US Sun reported that swimsuit pictures it had previously seen on Katie's Instagram were no longer visible after her appointment. Their original posting dates have not been established, and Katie has not publicly explained their reported removal.
© InstagramKatie's appointment was announced on 9 October. Before joining the White House, she worked in communications for Trump Media & Technology Group and previously served as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
She also appeared as a commentator on Fox News and Newsmax, making television a familiar setting before her move to the White House podium.
© InstagramKatie Zacharia explains her bar exam result
Speaking to Jack Posobiec on Human Events Daily, Katie discussed taking the exam while preparing to marry and move overseas. She explained that she had already registered for the California exam before relocating to China, where her future husband was based. Describing that period, she said she was "incredibly distracted and overwhelmed and excited".
After moving, she worked in the international practice division of Zhong Lun Law Firm. Katie said her law degree provided the credentials required for that work and that she did not need the California bar qualification for the role.
© InstagramShe also defended describing herself as a lawyer, saying she had consulted people in the profession about offering legal analysis rather than legal advice. "I was very careful how I executed this. I never came across as someone who was an attorney at law," she said.
Pepperdine has confirmed that Katie earned her law degree in 2011. Separately, Campaign for Accountability has requested a California State Bar investigation into her public descriptions of her credentials. That complaint is not a finding of wrongdoing.
© InstagramWhite House shares support for Katie Zacharia
The White House previously responded to HELLO!'s questions about Katie's qualifications by sharing her statement: "I practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials."
Communications director Steven Cheung also offered his support, describing her as "a fabulous and wonderful addition to the team".
His statement continued: "She is uniquely qualified and whip smart to help inform the American people about all the great things President Trump and his Administration have been doing, and she will do an incredible job as Press Secretary."
