Press secretary under Clinton says Zacharia was 'set up to fail'

A former Clinton-era White House press secretary has accused the Trump administration of setting up its press secretary by failing to provide adequate preparation before taking on the role, calling her situation a case of institutional neglect rather than personal fault. The criticism comes amid broader discussions about the challenges faced by White House communications staff under the current administration. The comments suggest a rare public acknowledgment of systemic issues in the transition process, raising questions about accountability and support for high-profile political roles. Whether seen as partisan or not, the remarks highlight tensions between leadership expectations and the reality of White House operations.

Katie Zacharia was set up to fail by the White House and President Trump, who made her White House press secretary without preparing her, former Clinton-era White House press secretary Joe Lockhart said Friday. “I don’t mean this to sound partisan or overly critical of the president, but she is, in fact a victim here,”...