Brief
White House slams Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes about new press secretary Katie Zacharia
White House officials denounced Kimmel’s remarks as talent‑less and defended Zacharia’s qualifications.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Late‑night host Jimmy Kimmel mocked newly appointed White House press secretary Katie Zacharia on Tuesday’s episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," prompting a harsh response from the White House, according to the New York Post.
What happened
Kimmel delivered a back‑to‑back monologue that ridiculed Zacharia’s intelligence, calling her “Malibu Katie” and suggesting she was hired to keep President Donald Trump “awake and interested.” He also mocked the length of her first briefing, noting it lasted only 14 minutes. The jokes followed a Monday segment in which Kimmel displayed a gym selfie of Zacharia and continued the insults.
What the reports add
The Post reported that the White House issued statements to Fox News Digital. Spokesman Davis Ingle called Kimmel a “no‑talent loser” who has “beclowned himself” with low ratings and “disgusting lies.” White House communications director Steven Cheung defended Zacharia, saying she is “uniquely qualified and whip‑smart” and will do an “incredible job” informing the public about the administration’s work.
What was said
Ingle told Fox News Digital, “Jimmy Kimmel is a no‑talent loser who has beclowned himself with tanking ratings and by spewing disgusting lies to his dwindling audience.” Cheung told the same outlet, “Katie is a fabulous and wonderful addition to the team. She is uniquely qualified and whip‑smart to help inform the American people about all the great things President Trump and his administration have been doing, and she will do an incredible job as press secretary.”
How it came about
Katie Zacharia was appointed press secretary on October 9, 2026, after a brief stint at the Department of Homeland Security and a role as senior communications adviser to Trump Media. Her first briefing on October 14 lasted about 14 minutes and drew criticism for its scripted nature. The New York Post’s coverage follows earlier Felo News articles on Zacharia’s appointment, a California bar complaint, and her admission that she never passed the bar exam.
Key facts
- Jimmy Kimmel mocked press secretary Katie Zacharia on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" calling her "Malibu Katie" and questioning her intelligence. (nypost.com)
- The White House spokesman Davis Ingle called Kimmel a "no‑talent loser" in a statement to Fox News Digital. (nypost.com)
- White House communications director Steven Cheung defended Zacharia, describing her as "uniquely qualified and whip‑smart." (nypost.com)
- Zacharia’s first briefing lasted 14 minutes and included an eight‑minute prepared statement. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “White House ridicules ‘beclowned’ Jimmy Kimmel after making crude remarks at Katie Zacharia”
