President Trump is publicly defending White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia after what he describes as relentless and unfair treatment from the media, telling reporters he has encouraged her to reconsider whether the role is worth the personal toll.
"@KatieZacharia has been treated very badly by the media — very, very badly. Very unfairly," the President posted Friday afternoon through the official Rapid Response account, accompanied by video of his remarks to the press.
Trump Says He Told Zacharia She 'Doesn't Need This'
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he spoke with Zacharia directly about the pressure she has faced since taking the job, recounting the conversation: "I said, Katie, is this for you? Because you know, she's been treated very rough, and she's a nice person, very nice person. I've watched her for years on television, but I said, is this for you, Katie? Because honestly, you don't need this, you don't have to be treated that much."
Trump said the media hostility toward Zacharia is unlike anything he has observed, noting that her recent appearance on John Hanley's program drew particularly sharp questioning. "She was on John Hanley last night, and John was a little bit tough," he said. "She's been treated, I would say, pretty nationally. And I said, Katie, just two minutes ago, I said, Katie, you know, you don't have to do this, you don't want."
The President described Zacharia's response to his warnings, saying she acknowledged the intensity of the scrutiny. "She said, this is a lot tougher. I said, welcome to the world of Trump," he relayed, before adding with a laugh, "I need to be careful."
Trump: 'You Got a Beautiful Husband and Family'
Trump revealed that he went further in his conversation with Zacharia, counseling her to consider her family and personal happiness above the demands of the position. "I said to her, honestly, if I were you, I'd reconsider. You think about it, but I would reconsider. You got a beautiful husband and family. I met the family yesterday. Beautiful kids, it's like from a picture postcard. And I said, you should reconsider because you don't want to go through it," he said.
Asked what he wants Zacharia to do, Trump said his only concern is for her well-being. "I just want her to be happy. He has suffered over the last few days. That's not a bad thing. You know, maybe it's not for her. But I said, you want to be happy in life. I'll do whatever she wants," he said.
Trump said the final decision rests with Zacharia, indicating he will revisit the matter upon his return from travel. "I'm going to let her make that decision. Okay, well, stop in the air. It's a nice person, great person... I'll talk to her when I get back," he said.
