From Salon · Amanda Marcotte · · 2m
Trump's new QAnon press secretary exposes his desperation
Trump appoints QAnon loyalist as press secretary, revealing his craving for adulation.
In brief
Trump appoints QAnon loyalist as press secretary, revealing his craving for adulation. Trump hired Katie Zacharia, a QAnon adherent with no legal credentials, as press secretary to prioritize his need for adulation over political strategy. Originally reported by Salon.
Trump appoints QAnon press secretary
Trump named Katie Zacharia, a QAnon adherent with no legal credentials, as his new press secretary.
Zacharia's media background
Zacharia has cable news experience on far-right channels like Newsmax and One America News, and previously worked as DHS spokesperson.
Zacharia's first briefing
Zacharia struggled during her first White House briefing, haltingly reading a statement about amplifying Trump's wins and answering only three reporters.
Zacharia's family response
Zacharia corrected herself multiple times during questions, saying 'my president' before correcting to 'my husband' when asked about her family.
Zacharia's early dismissal
Zacharia ended her briefing after seven minutes, directing reporters to the tarmac where Trump would board Marine One.
Critics of Zacharia
Independent journalist Aaron Rupar called Zacharia 'a press secretary who can barely read', while Jen Psaki labeled her performance 'basically an SNL skit'.
Trump's praise for Zacharia
Trump praised Zacharia as a 'devoted fan' with 'an unblemished record of support' for himself, despite her lack of special skills.
Zacharia's QAnon history
Zacharia has a history of promoting QAnon conspiracy theories, including Pizzagate and false claims about John Podesta being a pedophile.
Zacharia's legal credentials
Zacharia claims no legal credentials, with no evidence she passed the bar exam or is licensed to practice law in any state.
Zacharia's bar exam claim
When asked where she passed the bar exam, Zacharia claimed she moved to China, which has no authority to grant U.S. law licenses.
Zacharia's role compared to Harp
Zacharia's role is less about press strategy and more about giving Trump the 'hardcore Natalie Harp treatment' to flatter him.
Trump's QAnon revival
Trump's administration revived QAnon conspiracy theories despite low approval ratings, framing it as a way to remind supporters of his perceived greatness.
Trump's focus on adulation
Trump is prioritizing his need for adulation over political strategy, abandoning midterms to retreat into a fantasy world where he is worshipped.
The one thing
Trump hired Katie Zacharia, a QAnon adherent with no legal credentials, as press secretary to prioritize his need for adulation over political strategy.
