New White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia’s credentials have come under scrutiny after a Wall Street Journal report found that the Trump staffer did not pass the bar exam, despite the president describing her as an attorney.
Per the outlet, citing a source with knowledge, Zacharia did sit for the California bar exam after graduating from Pepperdine University’s law school in 2011. However, she did not pass the test, which is needed to get an official license to practice law as a lawyer. Though, she did reportedly pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination, which tests a candidate’s understanding of the law and professional ethics.
This update comes after Zacharia sparked confusion on her first day on the job by telling the press gaggle that she passed the bar “when I moved to China.” She followed up this comment with the following statement: “I practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials.”
Yet, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Zacharia took the bar exam around the time she was planning her wedding to now-husband Tyler Zacharia and preparing to relocate to China. It’s said the new Trump staffer later worked as an associate at Zhong Lun Law Firm, serving on the international practice team. Per the report, Zacharia was able to give legal analysis as she had a law degree and international transaction experience.
Spokesman Steven Cheung told the TheWrap Wednesday evening, “Katie is a fabulous and wonderful addition to the team. 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.”
Additionally, a White House official told the outlet that Zacharia was not hired to work on legal matters for Trump.
Nonetheless, Zacharia has referred to herself as a lawyer throughout her time as a conservative pundit. For instance, while discussing the trial for Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer on an Aug. 31 appearance on Fox News, she stated, “As a lawyer, the procedural steps are absolutely critical to ensure that they get this right.”
The news network also labeled her a legal and political strategist and an attorney on the chyron at the bottom of the screen. A representative for Fox News did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
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