Katie Zacharia says she was caught off guard by Sean Hannity’s ‘hostility’ during interview
WASHINGTON, DC: Former White House press secretary Katie Zacharia has spoken out about her tense interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, saying she wasn't prepared for the “hostility” he showed. Zacharia made the remarks during her first television interview since leaving the White House after just five days.
Speaking to Newsmax host Rob Finnerty on Tuesday, October 27, Zacharia said she was still perplexed by Hannity’s treatment of her, especially after he had publicly defended her following her first White House briefing. She also said Hannity’s team approached her earlier this year about a possible job as a California correspondent.
Newsmax’s Rob Finnerty asked former White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia whether she believes Sean Hannity set her up with the Fox interview. She didn’t say no. Zacharia admitted she was “perplexed” by Hannity’s hostility, especially considering that his own team had approached her earlier this year about working for him. ZACHARIA: “In January, late February, I was asked by Sean Hannity’s team, I got a phone call from them, asking me if I would consider being Sean’s California man on the street.” “Basically asking Californians what they thought of Gavin Newsom ahead of potentially a presidential run that Gavin Newsom might make.” “So Sean Hannity’s team, after being on with him a number of times and having a great rapport with Sean, thought that I would be a valuable asset to be continuing a relationship and in the press for him on his show.”
— Overton (@overton_news) October 28, 2026
Katie Zacharia says Sean Hannity’s sudden shift left her perplexed
Zacharia’s brief tenure as White House press secretary came under scrutiny after her first briefing lasted just 14 minutes, during which she took only three questions. Her performance drew criticism, with questions raised about her preparation, speaking and credentials.
Hannity initially came to her defense on his show, pointing to the criticism she had faced.
“Zacharia's been mocked,” he said. “She's been attacked over her appearance, her hair, the way she spoke. They questioned her intelligence, her credentials. They even asked about her bar exam.”
However, just two days later, Hannity questioned Zacharia about those same credentials during an interview, including her claim about being a lawyer despite never having passed the bar exam.
The change in his approach appeared to catch Zacharia off guard. Speaking to Finnerty, she admitted she was still trying to understand what had happened between them.
“I'm just as perplexed about what happened specifically with Sean Hannity,” she said.
Rob Finnerty raises questions about Sean Hannity’s interview
During the Newsmax interview, Finnerty said he was surprised by the way Hannity had treated Zacharia. He also brought up speculation that someone at the White House may have given the Fox host permission to question her so aggressively.
“Katie, I was shocked by the Hannity treatment if I'm being honest,” Finnerty said.
“I don't think he does that if he doesn't get the green light from somebody, perhaps at the White House. I don't know. But what do you make of this narrative that Fox did this on purpose?” he asked.
Fox and Hannity have denied the allegation that the interview was arranged as part of a deliberate effort to put Zacharia under pressure.
Zacharia did not claim to know why Hannity had changed his approach. Instead, she pointed to her earlier interactions with his team, revealing that they had contacted her earlier this year to ask whether she would be interested in working as a California correspondent for Hannity.
Katie Zacharia reveals earlier contact with Sean Hannity’s team
Finnerty questioned whether Hannity’s team had raised concerns about Zacharia’s educational background during that earlier conversation.
“I doubt that he had any interest in your educational background at that point when you had that call,” Finnerty said. “Is that accurate? Is that fair?”
“We never had a conversation about my educational background,” Zacharia replied.
Despite the uncomfortable experience, Zacharia said she would not rule out appearing on Hannity’s show again. She told Finnerty that she was used to handling difficult conversations and had debated hostile guests on CNN.
“Look, I never bow away from a fight or back away from a fight, Rob,” she said.
Zacharia added that she had managed such exchanges with “grace” and “dignity” while maintaining decorum.
“I'm ready to go,” she said, before explaining why Hannity’s approach had surprised her.
She pointed out that Hannity had previously made supportive statements about her on Tuesday, October 13, coming to her defense after the criticism of her first briefing.
“But because I had had a very friendly rapport with Sean and he had even made very backing statements about me on Tuesday, October 13th, really coming to my defense, I was not prepared for the hostility that I received,” Zacharia said.
