Katie Zacharia has broken her silence following her departure as Donald Trump's press secretary, sharing a photograph alongside the president and declaring: "I wish more Americans appreciated him."
Her message came after reports that she had been dismissed on Friday, 16 October, just five days into the job. A White House official confirmed to NPR that she was "transitioning out" of the position.
Taking to Instagram, Katie posted a photograph showing her standing beside Trump in the Oval Office. Wearing a red dress beneath a black blazer, she smiled next to the president, who was seated behind his desk.
© InstagramThe accompanying caption offered warm praise for her former boss, without addressing the circumstances of her departure.
Katie Zacharia shares message after White House departure
"President Trump is a kind, wonderful, gracious, thoughtful, enthusiastic, and the most hardworking man," Katie wrote.
"I wish more Americans appreciated him. No one will ever make America great the way he has and continues to."
Her post prompted messages of support, with Victor Marx commenting: "Katie, we are proud of you!"
© Getty ImagesKatie did not announce her next role or explain whether she would continue working elsewhere within the administration. Instead, the post focused entirely on her appreciation for the president.
Before joining his White House communications team, she had worked as a communications adviser for Trump Media & Technology Group and regularly appeared on conservative television networks.
Donald Trump urged Katie Zacharia to reconsider the job
Earlier on Friday, Trump had publicly questioned whether Katie should remain in the position.
Speaking to reporters before leaving the White House, he said: "Honestly, if I were you, I'd reconsider."
Asked whether he would keep her in the role, he replied: "I don't know. I'm going to let her make that decision."
© InstagramThe president also criticised the treatment she had received from the media, referring to her appearances on Sean Hannity's programme and Fox & Friends. He said he had discussed the demands of the job with Katie and suggested she consider whether she wanted to continue.
Katie Zacharia's brief tenure faced scrutiny
Katie began work on Monday, 12 October, and held her first White House briefing the following day, taking questions from three reporters. Her debut was followed by questions about her legal credentials.
A Pepperdine law graduate, she acknowledged that she had not passed the bar exam, despite previously describing herself as a lawyer.
© Getty ImagesShe subsequently defended her background and explained that she had moved to China with her husband after taking the examination.
In a statement previously supplied to HELLO!, Katie said: "I practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials."
White House communications director Steven Cheung had also defended her appointment, telling HELLO!: "Katie is a fabulous and wonderful addition to the team."
