New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia says China lacked ‘proper’ toilets
New White House press secretary faces scrutiny over China remarks
Poinews.com – New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia has drawn attention after making critical remarks about China during an interview broadcast on Thursday. Zacharia, who was appointed less than a week ago and previously lived in China, questioned claims that Beijing would soon overtake the United States.
Speaking with right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec, she recalled the political climate in 2016, when some commentators argued that US influence was declining and China was emerging as the world’s leading power.
“We were all being told Hillary (Clinton) was going to win. The golden days or the glory days of America were over. That China was on the horizon,” Zacharia said.
Referring to her time in China, Zacharia said those forecasts did not match her personal experience.
“I remember this very distinctly, having just come from China, thinking, ‘How is China the next country on the horizon? They don't even have proper toilets,’” she added.
Chinese authorities had not made an immediate public response. The remarks come while relations between Washington and Beijing remain shaped by competition over trade, technology and global influence.
China remains central to US foreign policy
President Donald Trump has often spoken of his “great relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The leaders met at a Washington summit in September, where they discussed artificial intelligence, trade and the stalled war in Iran.
They also confirmed plans for further meetings later in the year. Those discussions highlight the need for continued engagement between the two countries despite major disagreements on economic policy, technology and geopolitical priorities.
As New White House press secretary, Zacharia holds one of the administration’s most visible communications positions. Her comments were presented as a personal recollection, but statements about a major foreign power can prompt wider scrutiny because press secretaries speak publicly for the administration.
Questions over legal background
Zacharia has also faced questions about her legal credentials. She has described herself as a lawyer, listed herself as general counsel for a California-based conservative non-profit and said she previously worked for a Beijing law firm.
When asked on Thursday where she had passed the bar examination, Zacharia gave an inconclusive answer. She said she had registered to take the exam but did not continue because preparations to move to China with her husband became overwhelming.
After returning to the United States, she said she did not take the bar exam again after the birth of her first child. The questions concern how her professional background has been described and whether it aligns with qualifications generally required to practise law in the US.
First White House briefing draws attention
Zacharia held her first White House briefing on Tuesday, answering questions from only three journalists. The limited exchange stood out in a role that traditionally involves responding to a broad range of media questions on behalf of the president.
She replaced Karoline Leavitt, a prominent Trump supporter known for combative exchanges with reporters. Leavitt stepped down in August to care for her young children.
The New White House press secretary now faces early attention over foreign-policy comments, her professional history and her approach to press access. Future briefings may show whether the White House expands opportunities for questioning.
FAQ
What did Katie Zacharia say about China? She said that, after living in China, she questioned predictions that the country would soon surpass the United States and referred to a lack of “proper toilets.”
What issues did Trump and Xi discuss in September? Their Washington meeting covered artificial intelligence, trade and the stalled war in Iran.
Why are Zacharia’s legal credentials being discussed? She has described legal experience but said she did not complete the bar examination process after registering to take it.