Now, a new report suggests the president originally wanted former Fox News personality Maria Bartiromo for the high-profile position.
And the reason she reportedly declined offers another glimpse into the behind-the-scenes decisions shaping Trump’s communications operation.
Trump Reportedly Had His Eye on Maria Bartiromo
According to Axios, Trump initially sought to recruit Bartiromo before choosing Zacharia.
Two administration officials reportedly confirmed that the former Fox News host was the president’s preferred candidate.
Bartiromo, a longtime television journalist known for her coverage of financial markets and politics, had established herself as a prominent voice among conservative audiences.
Her experience interviewing political leaders and navigating contentious conversations would have made her an intriguing choice for the White House podium.
But there was one major obstacle.
Money.
One administration source explained why Bartiromo apparently had little incentive to trade her television arrangement for a government position.
“She’s no longer on air, but she’s still on the Fox payroll & the taxpayers can’t compete with that,” said one source.
That financial reality reportedly complicated Trump’s recruitment efforts.
Bartiromo had already departed Fox News’s airwaves following controversy surrounding internal network communications about coverage of Trump’s election-related allegations.
According to the original reporting, she had disclosed internal messages indicating that Fox management wanted employees to stop promoting certain election conspiracy claims.
Despite her departure from television, the Axios account suggests Bartiromo remained financially connected to the network.
The White House press secretary position offers extraordinary political visibility, but it also comes with relentless scrutiny and a government salary that may be difficult to justify for established television personalities.
For Bartiromo, the opportunity apparently wasn’t enough.
Another Conservative Television Personality Was Considered
Bartiromo wasn’t the only recognizable media figure reportedly discussed for the position.
Axios also identified CNN conservative commentator Scott Jennings as a contender before Trump selected Zacharia.
Jennings has become a familiar presence in televised political debates, frequently defending Republican positions against Democratic commentators.
His ability to deliver concise arguments under pressure could have appealed to an administration seeking an aggressive defender in the briefing room.
Nevertheless, Trump ultimately chose a different direction.
Zacharia received the appointment, reportedly with encouragement from Natalie Harp, the president’s personal assistant.
According to Axios, the final hiring decision belonged to Trump himself.
That decision would soon attract considerable attention.
Zacharia’s First Briefing Raised Immediate Concerns
The trouble began almost as soon as Zacharia appeared behind the White House podium.
Her first press briefing on Tuesday drew criticism over a performance that some observers described as hesitant and uncomfortable.
Zacharia appeared visibly nervous and frequently avoided direct eye contact with members of the press.
For an administration accustomed to combative exchanges with reporters, the awkward debut stood out.
The White House briefing room is an unforgiving environment.
Reporters routinely challenge administration officials on policy disputes, presidential statements, personnel decisions, and breaking developments.
A press secretary must respond quickly while maintaining the confidence of the president and the administration.
Zacharia’s first appearance raised questions about whether she was prepared for that demanding responsibility.
But her performance was only part of the controversy.
Questions About Legal Credentials Added to the Turmoil
Additional scrutiny emerged over Zacharia’s professional background.
Critics questioned her use of legal titles after reports indicated that she had not passed a bar examination.
Although law school graduates can hold legal degrees without being licensed attorneys, passing the applicable bar examination and meeting other licensing requirements are generally necessary to practice law.
The distinction became particularly important because Trump had reportedly described Zacharia as an attorney when announcing her appointment on Truth Social.
Axios subsequently reported that the president was “blindsided” when he discovered the discrepancy.
That revelation raised uncomfortable questions about the vetting process surrounding such a prominent White House appointment.
How thoroughly had Zacharia’s qualifications been reviewed?
And why had the issue apparently escaped notice before the president publicly introduced her?
Those questions intensified as reports circulated that her time in the administration was coming to an abrupt end.
Five Days Later, Zacharia Was Heading Out
By Friday, Zacharia’s brief stint as press secretary was effectively over.
She told Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy that she was “transitioning out” of the position.
The New York Times characterized her departure as a firing.
Zacharia, however, disputed that description when contacted by The Gateway Pundit, maintaining that she had not been fired.
The distinction matters because the circumstances surrounding her exit remain contested.
What is clear from the accounts is that Zacharia’s time as the administration’s chief spokesperson lasted only five days.
That exceptionally short tenure has placed renewed attention on Trump’s decision-making process and the people involved in selecting senior communications personnel.
It has also revived questions about why the administration did not secure one of the more experienced media figures reportedly considered for the job.
Trump Says He Is in No Hurry to Find a Replacement
Despite the sudden vacancy, Trump does not appear eager to announce another appointment.
Speaking with Peter Doocy on Friday, the president indicated that he was in “no rush” to select a new White House press secretary.
That leaves the administration with an important communications decision still unresolved.
The position requires someone capable of defending presidential policies, handling hostile questions, and communicating directly with the American public.
Bartiromo’s reported rejection illustrates one challenge facing the White House: experienced conservative media personalities may have lucrative alternatives outside government.
Jennings’ reported consideration also suggests Trump was looking at candidates with substantial experience in televised political confrontations.
For now, the administration has not announced who will take over the briefing room.
But the latest disclosures have added a surprising twist to Zacharia’s five-day tenure.
Trump reportedly wanted a seasoned television veteran, turned to a less-established candidate after that option fell through, and now finds himself searching for another spokesperson.
And with the president signaling that he intends to take his time, Washington may have to wait to discover who will become the next public face of the Trump White House.
