White House Spokeswoman Faces Questions Over Legal Background and Bar Status

Questions Raised

Newly appointed White House press secretary Katie Zacharia is facing public scrutiny over her legal credentials and whether she is registered as an attorney in the United States. President Donald Trump and Ms. Zacharia have both referred to her as a lawyer, but records do not show her registered with the bar in any U.S. state or the District of Columbia. When asked by a reporter on Tuesday in which state she passed the bar exam, Ms. Zacharia replied that she passed it when she moved to China. A watchdog group, the Campaign for Accountability, has filed a complaint with the California State Bar Association seeking an investigation into whether she held herself out as entitled to practice law without a license.

Career History

Ms. Zacharia earned her law degree from Pepperdine University in California in 2011, though a law degree alone does not grant a license to practice law without passing a state bar. Her LinkedIn profile shows she worked as an associate at Zhong Lun Law Firm in Beijing from 2011 to 2013 after moving there for her husband's job. She also served as general counsel at Fix California, an advocacy group founded by Mr. Trump's ally Ric Grenell, from 2024 to 2025. Mr. Grenell stated that she was a senior adviser who led outside counsel. In response to the questions, Ms. Zacharia stated that she practiced international transaction law with all the appropriate credentials.

Context

In the United States, graduating with a law degree is separate from being admitted to a state bar, which is legally required to practice law or act as an attorney. The timing of the scrutiny coincides with the final weeks before November's midterm elections, adding political pressure as the administration seeks to highlight its policy achievements.