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Archived story · published October 15, 2026. Coverage reflects reporting at the time. See today's brief

Politics · October 15, 2026

White House ridicules ‘beclowned’ Jimmy Kimmel after making crude remarks at Katie Zacharia

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Newly appointed White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia is facing scrutiny following her debut press briefing and public questions regarding her legal credentials. Zacharia admitted she never passed a bar exam despite previously identifying as a lawyer, a situation that has led to a legal complaint from a liberal watchdog group. Additionally, the White House issued a sharp rebuke against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for mocking Zacharia’s intelligence and appearance, while media analysts critiqued her first 14-minute briefing for its brevity and selection of friendly media outlets.

Read the original coverage

Reported across the spectrum

  • Katie Zacharia is the newly appointed White House Press Secretary.
  • Zacharia graduated from Pepperdine University's law school.
  • Zacharia did not pass the California bar exam in 2011 and is not licensed in any U.S. state.
  • Zacharia's debut press briefing lasted 14 minutes.
  • During her debut, she mistakenly referred to her husband as 'my president' before correcting herself.
  • The White House defended Zacharia, calling her 'uniquely qualified' and 'whip-smart.'

Reported by only some outlets

  • Zacharia claimed she was advised by Pepperdine's president that using the title 'lawyer' was acceptable even without passing the bar.
  • The Campaign for Accountability filed a complaint with the State Bar of California against Zacharia for allegedly violating laws against the unauthorized practice of law.
  • Jimmy Kimmel referred to Zacharia as 'Malibu Katie' and a 'blonde dolt.'
  • Zacharia previously worked as a senior communications advisor to Trump Media & Technology Group and as a Newsmax commentator.
  • Zacharia only took questions from Breitbart, Fox News, and the Daily Mail during her first briefing.

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