Megyn Kelly slams Trump’s new press sec Katie Zacharia over outfit: ‘She needs to dial it back’

WASHINGTON, DC: Megyn Kelly has criticized new White House press secretary Katie Zacharia over her appearance during her first official briefing under President Donald Trump.

The conservative commentator took issue with Zacharia’s makeup, hairstyle, and outfit on October 13, suggesting she needed to change her presentation to be taken seriously.

Kelly also questioned whether Zacharia was using the high-profile position as a stepping stone to a television career, as the new press secretary faced criticism over her delivery and a verbal slip during the briefing.

Megyn Kelly slams Katie Zacharia’s appearance

Speaking on ‘The Megyn Kelly Show’, Kelly did not hold back while discussing Zacharia’s appearance at the White House podium.

“Part of it is the look, you know. She's got very heavy makeup on. She's got the long curls. She's got some chest showing ... Like I think she needs to dial it back,” Kelly said.

The commentator also suggested that Zacharia, like other Republican press secretaries, was hoping to land a job at Fox News.

“I'm just gonna say, like, I know she's auditioning for a job on Fox News. They all are,” Kelly added.

Although Kelly described Zacharia’s performance as “fine,” she questioned whether her overall presentation conveyed the seriousness expected of someone speaking on behalf of the president.

Kelly argued that Zacharia needed to “present as a serious person,” making her appearance a central part of the criticism surrounding her first briefing.

Katie Zacharia faces backlash over White House debut

The criticism of Zacharia extended beyond her clothing.

Her October 13 debut at the White House podium reportedly included pauses, moments when she smiled without speaking, and a verbal slip that quickly attracted attention.

While discussing her family, Zacharia mistakenly referred to her husband as the president before correcting herself. “My president, excuse me, my husband – that's a good one – my husband is out here for the week,” she said.

According to OK! Magazine, Zacharia began the briefing with an eight-minute statement and frequently referred to her prepared notes.

She answered three questions before ending the session after approximately 14 minutes. The short briefing and her delivery prompted further criticism from observers.

Ben Meiselas, co-founder of the progressive media organization MeidasTouch, commented on the reaction, saying, “It's being called the worst press briefing in the history of all press secretaries.”

One social media user also criticized her delivery, writing, “I've seen hostage videos with better delivery.”

White House insider warns Katie Zacharia to improve

Zacharia’s early reception has reportedly raised concerns within the administration.

According to the Irish Star, an unnamed White House official expressed dissatisfaction with her first briefing during a conversation with MS NOW journalist Jake Traylor.

“She needs to get much better, fast. Otherwise, she'll break Scaramucci's record,” the official reportedly said.

The remark referred to Anthony Scaramucci, who served as White House communications director for just 10 days during Trump's first administration in 2017. 

However, the reported criticism does not establish that Zacharia’s position is immediately at risk. 

Before her appointment, Zacharia worked as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, appeared as a political commentator on Fox News and Newsmax, and served as a senior communications adviser to Trump's social media business, Truth Social.

Trump publicly praised her when announcing her appointment, highlighting her loyalty and contributions to his political campaigns. 

“She has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning,” the president said.

He also expressed confidence in her ability to represent his administration, offering a more positive assessment than some of the reactions to her first briefing.

Trump’s Katie Zacharia appointment fuels Susie Wiles tensions

Zacharia’s selection has also drawn attention because of reports that Trump bypassed White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles when choosing his new spokesperson.

According to The Daily Beast, Wiles had preferred conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings for the position.

Trump reportedly favoured Zacharia after being impressed by her television appearances and contacted her directly about the opportunity.

An administration official described the decision as another sign of tension between Trump and Wiles.

“This is seen as one of many recent microaggressions of Donald to Susie. He is taking back control, and it is starting to feel more like the first term,” the source claimed.

Another insider offered a different explanation of the reported disagreement, saying, “Susie wanted someone who would be loyal to her, and instead Trump chose someone loyal to him, as it should be.”