"Avatar of Artificial Intelligence": Media Criticizes First Briefing of Trump's New Press Secretary

In particular, Spiegel noted that half of the briefing, which lasted only 14 minutes, the press secretary dedicated to reading a flattering text about Trump's actions. Only occasionally did she look up from the sheet and smile. And only after three questions from Republican-friendly outlets did the press secretary unexpectedly conclude the briefing. The publication called this performance a "false start." Journalists noted that Ukraine was not mentioned even once in her report. When asked whether the U.S. had suspended intelligence sharing with Kyiv, she merely replied that she would "get back to that later." Journalists also pointed out an incident – during her report, she confused her husband with Trump, stating: "My president, sorry, my husband." Spiegel noted that Zakaria's performance sharply contrasted with the reports of her predecessor. The Guardian noted that it was Zakaria's appointment to this position that raised a number of questions, as it occurred after her brief tenure at the Department of Homeland Security, as well as at Trump Media and Technology Group, owned by the U.S. president. "Kathy Zakaria, the new White House press secretary, debuted at the podium on Tuesday, demonstrating as much warmth, wisdom, and political savvy as an artificial intelligence avatar," The Guardian commented on the new press secretary's first performance. Journalists wrote that she spoke unnaturally and avoided eye contact. Moreover, throughout her speech, she merely outlined pro-Trump theses and answered only three questions. Meanwhile, The Telegraph, commenting on Zakaria's first performance, noted her previous activities. According to the publication, back in 2022, after Russia's attack on Ukraine, Zakaria supported a post claiming that the real reason for the war was "Putin's struggle against a secret network of influential leftist elites." The publication emphasized that during her speech, Zakaria only reported Trump's request for the U.S. ambassador to Greece to resign. The rest of the time, she thanked the U.S. president for her new position and praised Trump for the high level of the economy in the country. It should be noted that Zakaria's predecessor, Caroline Levitt, also did not enjoy support from the media. She was accused of outright disrespect towards the media and excessive flattery towards Trump.