Anthony Scaramucci, who famously lasted just 10 days as White House communications director in 2017, took a swipe at the new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, after her inaugural briefing on Tuesday. In a post on X, Scaramucci wrote, “The clock is running,” adding, “Thus far 1/11th of a Scaramucci.”
Zacharia, a conservative commentator and former communications adviser at Trump Media, stepped into the role last week, replacing Karoline Leavitt, who left the administration earlier this year. Her first appearance in the press briefing room lasted about 14 minutes and included questions from three reporters.
The quip from Scaramucci, a hedge fund founder who has had a rocky relationship with the Trump orbit, underscores the intense scrutiny that comes with the high-profile position. His own tenure was cut short amid internal White House turmoil, and his comment suggests he sees a similar precariousness for Zacharia.
President Trump had described the session as an “introductory news conference,” and Zacharia fielded questions on a range of topics, though the brief session was notably shorter than traditional briefings. The limited interaction with the press corps came as the administration continues to battle media outlets over access, with a federal judge extending an order on press access amid ongoing litigation.
Zacharia's debut came as Trump was on the campaign trail in Alaska, and her performance was closely watched by political insiders. The new press secretary has yet to face the full gauntlet of daily briefings, and Scaramucci's jab highlights the high turnover in the role during Trump's presidency.
Observers note that the press secretary job has become increasingly combative under Trump, with the administration frequently clashing with reporters. Trump has accused the press of misrepresenting his remarks on various issues, and the White House has pursued legal action against news organizations.
Zacharia's appointment was seen as a move to align the press office more closely with Trump's media strategy, given her background at Trump Media. But her brief first outing left many questions unanswered about how she will handle the daily grind of the job.
Scaramucci's comment quickly drew reactions on social media, with some defending Zacharia and others echoing his skepticism. The former communications director has remained a vocal critic of Trump's inner circle, and his latest remark adds to the ongoing drama surrounding the administration's communications team.
As the midterm elections approach, the role of press secretary will be pivotal in shaping the administration's message. The White House has signaled potential major actions that will require deft communication, making Zacharia's performance all the more critical.
