Women’s Departures in the Trump White House: Aesthetic Entry, Misogyny, and the Fall of Katie Zacharia

Commentators and columnists have argued that a series of high-profile women have been dismissed from President Donald Trump’s administration despite conforming to the “Mar-a-Lago face” aesthetic. The most recent case is Katie Zacharia, who was fired after only five days as White House press secretary. The pattern, highlighted by Mother Jones editor Inae Oh, links cosmetic conformity to initial hiring while suggesting that pervasive misogyny limits job security for women in the administration.

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• October 9 – President Trump appointed Zacharia to the press-secretary post after she allegedly timed her television appearances to align with his public schedule.

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• October 13 – Zacharia delivered her first briefing, drawing ridicule for her appearance and perceived lack of experience.

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• Hours after the briefing – Zacharia was dismissed from the role.

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Oh notes that women such as Kimberly Guilfoyle (former ambassador to Greece), Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi, and Karoline Leavitt have also left the administration after being highlighted for their looks—blond curls, heavy makeup, and high heels—while male officials facing comparable scandals have remained in place.

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Zacharia announced the resignation of Ambassador Guilfoyle, stating:

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“We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,” — Katie Zacharia

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The White House has not provided further comment on Zacharia’s termination.

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• “We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,” — Katie Zacharia, former White House press secretary.

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