Jimmy Kimmel on Trump’s new press secretary: ‘Her reading is good for an 11-year-old’
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
Jimmy Kimmel mocked new White House press secretary Katie Zacharia after her first briefing, criticising her delivery, political record and answers to reporters. His remarks drew attention to the scrutiny facing a senior spokesperson whose first public appearance was widely portrayed in the article as awkward and confusing.
Zacharia’s briefing lasted 14 minutes, and she said she wanted to work for Donald Trump “for a very long time”. Kimmel also criticised her stilted reading and past comments, including support for the Pizzagate conspiracy theory and a claim that the film The Odyssey would not find an audience; the article says it earned $1.8bn. Asked where she had passed the bar exam, Zacharia replied, “I moved to China”, and the administration did not clarify when or where she qualified.
- Kimmel ridiculed Zacharia’s first White House press briefing.
- The briefing lasted 14 minutes and included an unclear answer about her legal qualification.
- The article cites her past conspiracy claims and a film prediction contradicted by $1.8bn in earnings.
New here? Start with this
The White House press secretary is the administration’s main spokesperson to journalists. The role involves explaining the president’s policies, answering questions at briefings and communicating the White House’s position to the public.
Katie Zacharia is Donald Trump’s press secretary. Her political comments and professional background have drawn attention alongside her work in the role; Jimmy Kimmel is a television host who often comments on US politics in his comedy programme.
The position matters because journalists and the public rely on the press secretary for information about government decisions. How the spokesperson handles questions can shape what is known about the administration and how its messages are received.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A White House press secretary speaks for the administration, so her public delivery and ability to answer questions clearly are legitimate subjects of scrutiny. Kimmel’s mockery can be seen as political satire that draws attention to reported errors, unexplained qualifications and past statements, all of which may matter to public trust.
The case against
Mocking a spokesperson’s reading or manner risks turning scrutiny of her record into personal ridicule, especially after a first briefing that may not show how she will perform over time. Critics can argue that journalists and comedians should focus on verifiable claims and policy, while allowing room to clarify apparent mistakes and qualifications.