The White House has defended Katie Zaccaria, the new spokesperson for President Donald Trump, who is facing doubts about her legal qualifications after no records were found showing she holds a law license in any U.S. state. Meanwhile, a watchdog organization has petitioned the California Bar Association to investigate whether she has falsely claimed professional qualifications.
Katie Zaccaria, the new White House spokesperson for President Donald Trump, is under scrutiny regarding her educational background and legal qualifications after Trump identified her as a lawyer during his announcement last week. She has also introduced herself as a lawyer, yet no evidence confirms she is licensed to practice law in any U.S. state.
This issue gained further attention when reporters asked Trump on Tuesday whether Zaccaria had passed a bar exam in any state. Trump gave her the opportunity to respond, and she said, "When I moved to China..." but did not provide a clear answer to the question.
Zaccaria graduated with a bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University in 2007 and earned a law degree from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in 2011. However, completing a law degree does not automatically grant a license to practice law in the U.S.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Zaccaria attempted the California bar exam after graduation but did not pass. Sources familiar with the details noted she took the exam while preparing for her wedding and planning to move to China with her fiancé, who worked for a U.S. private investment firm.
Public records from the California Bar Association do not list Zaccaria as holding a law license in the state. Rick Coca, a spokesperson for the California Bar, stated the agency has no record of issuing a license to anyone named Kate Sharon Zaccaria or Kate Sharon Black, including any other names related to her before or after marriage.
The independent news site Popular Information reported that there is no evidence she holds a law license in any of the 50 U.S. states or in Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday, Campaign for Accountability, a watchdog group overseeing public officials, filed a petition with the California Bar Association requesting an investigation into whether Zaccaria has repeatedly presented herself publicly as licensed to practice law without holding a valid license, which could violate state law.
Michelle Kuppersmith, the executive director of the organization, stated that calling oneself a lawyer without a license in California is not merely an exaggeration but a criminal offense, urging authorities to investigate and act if wrongdoing is found. However, the California Bar Association said it cannot confirm whether it has received the petition or is investigating due to legal confidentiality restrictions.
Zaccaria clarified in a statement that she has worked in international transactional law with appropriate qualifications. Meanwhile, Steven Cheung, White House communications director, defended her as highly qualified and capable, expressing confidence in her ability to serve effectively as White House spokesperson.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Zaccaria worked on the international law team at Zhong Lun Law Firm in Beijing, China, from 2011 to 2013. She also worked in fundraising and communications for Compassion for Migrant Children, an organization assisting children of migrant workers. Additionally, she served as legal counsel for the nonprofit Fix California, founded by Richard Grenell, a political ally of Trump.
Zaccaria has also stated that while working in China, she was involved in legal work for the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). She mentioned on a conservative radio show in February last year that she served as an external legal adviser for both institutions. However, neither the World Bank nor the IFC has confirmed her role.
Chinese law requires that those who obtain a license to practice law in China must be Chinese citizens, while foreigners may work in law firms in other capacities. This raises questions about Zaccaria's exact professional role and status during her time working in Beijing.
Before becoming the White House spokesperson, Zaccaria worked as a senior communications adviser to Trump Media & Technology Group starting in June and served briefly as deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security earlier this year for two months.
The scrutiny of her background comes as Zaccaria transitions into the role of principal spokesperson for the Trump administration. Her first press briefing on Tuesday drew widespread criticism, and questions about her legal qualifications remain unanswered by both her and the White House.
/sourceAssociated Press/BBC