White House backs Katie Zacharia as questions mount over legal background

The White House has stood by its press secretary Katie Zacharia even as questions grow about whether she is licenced to practise law in the United States, BBC reported.

Steven Cheung, the White House communications director said Zacharia is ” qualified and whip smart to help inform the American people” about President Donald Trump and his administration according to The Associated Press.

Trump introduced her as an attorney when he announced her appointment. Reuters found no official records showing that Zacharia holds a law licence in any US State or in the District of Columbia.

Zacharia graduated from Pepperdine University’s law school in 2011. She has said that she worked in transaction law. When asked on Tuesday where she passed the bar exam she answered, “When I moved to China.”

On Wednesday she issued a statement saying: “I practised transaction law with all the appropriate credentials.”

Her answer has raised questions because Chinese law limits the practice of law to Chinese nationals. Foreign workers can work at law firms in roles but not as licenced attorneys.

The watchdog group Campaign for Accountability has filed a complaint with the California State Bar. They are asking for an investigation into whether Zacharia gave information about her legal background.

The White House has not offered information, about her legal qualifications.