Trump’s new spokesperson stumbles into controversy

"The State Bar should investigate whether Ms.

Zacharia has misled the public about her credentials," said the group's executive director, Michelle Kuppersmith.Zacharia, 41, graduated from Pepperdine University's law school in 2011, but obtaining a law degree does not automatically qualify someone to practice law.

Trump described Zacharia as "an attorney" when announcing her appointment Friday.The controversy followed a rocky first appearance as White House press secretary on Tuesday, when Zacharia read extensively from prepared notes during a briefing lasting just 14 minutes.

She took only three questions and stumbled over answers, at one point accidentally referring to the president as her husband.Trump, however, praised Zacharia's debut, telling reporters: "I thought she was very good." Zacharia succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down in August after becoming one of the most prominent public defenders of Trump's second administration.

Trump's new spokesperson stumbles into controversy AFP | Updated 14 minutes ago | Katie Zacharia's legal credentials questioned after shaky maiden briefing.