White House spokesperson Katie Zacharia’s law career faces scrutiny

Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary under President Donald Trump, has drawn growing criticism over statements concerning her professional background.

On Wednesday a public‑accountability nonprofit filed a complaint with the State Bar of California regarding Zacharia’s repeated assertions that she holds a law license.

False claims of licensure constitute a criminal offense in California. According to Zacharia’s LinkedIn profile, she earned a degree from the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in 2011, but critics have challenged whether she was ever authorized to practice law.

“Ms. Zacharia has repeatedly presented herself as a lawyer to bolster her reputation as a television legal analyst and now as the White House spokesperson,” said Michelle Kuppersmith, head of the Washington, DC‑based Campaign for Accountability. “It appears that representation was factually inaccurate.”

California regulators emphasize that labeling oneself a lawyer without a valid license is not mere puffery but a criminal violation.

“The State Bar should investigate whether Mr. Zacharia misled the public about her credentials and take appropriate action if wrongdoing occurs,” Kuppersmith added.

Zacharia, a frequent commentator on Fox News and Newsmax, assumed the role of White House press secretary on a recent Tuesday.

During a brief news briefing she spoke haltingly and occasionally repeated herself, spending most of the 15‑minute address thanking the president and delivering a prepared statement.

“I have long aspired to work for him,” Zacharia said in the session.

Later, outside the Resolute Office she was reached by reporters. When asked about passing the bar exam, she answered “When I moved to China,” suggesting a three‑year tenure at a Beijing law firm.

The reference raised questions, given China’s strict rules governing foreign entry into its legal profession.

Although China permits limited practice to foreign lawyers with extensive domestic experience, Zacharia has not been confirmed licensed anywhere in the United States.

In response, Zacharia told The Associated Press, “I practice international transaction law, bearing all required qualifications.”

Prior to assuming the press‑sec post she spent about three years at the Zhong Moon Law Firm in Beijing (2011‑2013), and since 2024 has served as general counsel for Fix California, a voter‑rights organization founded by a former Trump officeholder.

Her Instagram profile branding lists her as a wife, mother and lawyer.

Nevertheless, her contention that she passed the bar in China has spotlighted the inconsistency between her self‑described legal expertise and verified credentials.

Media reports indicate that she has never been recognized as a licensed attorney in any U.S. state.

Zacharia asserted that her international transaction law practice meets all necessary professional standards when addressed to external publications.

Throughout her tenure she has held advisory roles at the Department of Homeland Security and currently at the Trump Media and Technology Group, which operates Truth Social.

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