Watchdog Seeks Probe Into White House Press Secretary’s Legal Claims

White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia is facing scrutiny over her claims to be a lawyer after a watchdog group asked California’s State Bar to investigate whether she misrepresented her legal qualifications.

Watchdog requests investigation

Campaign for Accountability, a nonpartisan advocacy group, has filed a complaint with the State Bar of California, questioning whether Zacharia unlawfully presented herself as qualified to practise law.

The group has also asked the state bar to refer the matter to prosecutors if investigators find evidence of a legal violation.

Zacharia, who earned a law degree from Pepperdine University, has repeatedly described herself as a lawyer during media appearances. President Donald Trump also called her an attorney when announcing her appointment to replace Karoline Leavitt.

California bar records raise questions

A spokesperson for the State Bar of California told NBC, Sky News’ broadcast partner, that Zacharia had never appeared on a list of people who passed the California bar examination. The state also has no record of her being licensed to practise law.

During her first press conference in the role, Zacharia was asked where she had passed the bar examination. She responded, “When I moved to China.”

She later said she had practised international transaction law with the appropriate credentials.

However, the watchdog cited reporting that found no evidence she had passed a bar examination in any US state. Its complaint argues that presenting oneself as entitled to practise law without a licence could violate California law.

Zacharia defends her legal background

A White House official said Zacharia moved to China with her husband after graduating from Pepperdine’s law school, following his employment at an American private equity firm.

According to the official, she worked on international transaction law while living in China before returning to the United States.

Although foreign legal consultancy may involve advising on cross-border transactions, it does not necessarily establish that someone is licensed to practise law in a particular jurisdiction.

Zacharia has also described herself on LinkedIn as having served as general counsel for Fix California, an organisation founded by Trump ally Ric Grenell.

White House faces questions

The White House has not provided evidence that Zacharia passed a bar examination or directly addressed questions about her licensing status.

The controversy has intensified scrutiny of the new press secretary following her initial appearance before reporters. Any determination of whether she breached the law would depend on the findings of the relevant authorities.