White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia has left her position less than a week after her appointment, following controversies over her legal credentials and a widely criticised press briefing.
A White House official confirmed her departure on Friday after reports emerged that she was transitioning out of the role.
President Donald Trump had earlier suggested Zacharia reconsider the appointment amid growing criticism.
Zacharia faced backlash after admitting she had failed the bar exam, despite previously describing herself as a lawyer. She also attracted criticism for her brief debut press briefing, which lasted less than 15 minutes.
Her remarks about China, including comments mocking the country’s toilet facilities, further fuelled controversy.
The departure adds to the challenges facing Trump’s administration as Republicans prepare for the November 3 congressional midterm elections.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, responded to Zacharia’s comments by urging her to visit China more often.
