Jen Psaki Mocks Trump's New Press Secretary, Asks Whether She Is a 'Potential Fake Lawyer'

On her show, Jen Psaki questioned the legal credentials of Katie Zacharia, prompting the White House's new press secretary to defend her legal background.

Jen Psaki pokes fun at Trump's new press secretary, asking if he's a "fake potential lawyer."

Former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki mocked President Donald Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharias on Tuesday after Zacharias' first White House briefing.

Pesaki questioned Zakaria's legal credentials after citing reports that investigators could not confirm his admission as a state attorney. Biden's former White House press secretary also criticized Zakaria's handling of his first briefing, saying Trump had appointed someone whose legal credentials were unclear.

"So where exactly is Kathy Zacharia licensed to practice law? That's a very strange mystery, right? ... A potential fake attorney? I don't know. She can answer questions and provide clarity," Saki said during her show, "Explained with Jen Saki."

Despite the governor's press secretary scandal, Hochul's office mocked Kathy Zacharias after the injury to Aaron Rodgers.

"I practiced international transaction law with all the proper credentials," Zakaria said.

Zakaria received his juris doctor degree from Pepperdine University in 2011, the White House press office said.

In a statement released after his appointment, the university confirmed his academic record. Pepperdine President Jim Gash, who previously worked with Zachariah when he served as a research assistant at the university's law school, praised Trump after his announcement.

"Pepperdine is proud to number among our former alumni, colleagues and friends," said Gash. "As he takes on this important responsibility, we pray that God will give him wisdom and courage. We look forward to seeing him use his incredible gifts and extensive experience in service to our country."

"Jen Pesaki is doing what she does best - trying to get back to the subject matter to save her failing show," he said. "Cathy Zacharias is a staunch supporter of President Trump and a sharp communicator. He deserves credit for jumping into the pit on his first day to face the media that Saki and Biden dodged for years.

Psaki suggested that he missed Zakaria's predecessor, Carolyn Leavitt, before playing clips of the new press secretary's introductory remarks. After Zakaria thanked Trump for appointing him and expressed his eagerness to join the administration, Psaki criticized his delivery.

"Oh, Kathy, Kathy, Kathy, I'm already so upset and I've watched it several times today," Saki said. "Read all those words yourself without having to hear anything, at least not while standing at the podium, maybe before."

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After the briefing, Trump praised his new press secretary when asked by reporters about his performance.

"I thought he was very good," Trump said.

The White House issued a statement on Tuesday praising Zakaria's briefing, emphasizing her comments on the administration's agenda, access to the media and support for working parents.

"Kathy Zacharias held a command press conference as the 37th White House Press Secretary at the inauguration," the statement said.

The briefing, which generated wall-to-wall coverage, was a strong introduction to his tenure and highlighted the Trump administration's record of delivering historic successes for the American people.

CJ graduated from Long Beach State University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Masters in Journalism.

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