Katie Zacharia, 41, made her first appearance as the White House press secretary on Tuesday, expressing enthusiasm about her new role but encountering a challenging start. Taking over from Karoline Leavitt, Zacharia addressed reporters in the briefing room, stating she was “thrilled” to serve in the administration.

Her debut was marked by noticeable hesitations and moments where she stumbled over her words, which prompted some observers to question her preparedness for the high-profile communication role. She engaged with the media for a limited time, answering only a few questions before concluding the session.

Zacharia’s introduction comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny on the administration’s messaging strategy, with her predecessor departing last month. The White House faces ongoing pressure to effectively convey policy priorities and respond to a variety of domestic and international developments.

Though early impressions suggested a somewhat tentative start, administration officials voiced confidence in Zacharia’s capabilities and indicated further opportunities for her to showcase her skills in future briefings. The transition underscores the evolving nature of the White House press operation as the administration moves deeper into its current term.