Not even proper toilets Trump spokeswoman provokes China

U.S. President Donald Trump’s new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, sparked controversy after making disparaging remarks about sanitation conditions in China during an interview. Zacharia, 41, criticized China’s toilet facilities, saying the country lacks “proper toilets.” Her comments came amid heightened U.S.-China tensions and drew a pointed response from Chinese officials. Zacharia made the remarks during an interview with Jack Posobiec, a right-leaning influencer, on the network Real America’s Voice. She referenced the 2016 U.S. presidential election, noting that at the time, many believed China would surpass the United States economically. “I remember this very distinctly, having just come from China, thinking, ‘How is China the next country on the horizon? They don’t even have proper toilets,’” she said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded swiftly, inviting Zacharia to visit China to see the situation firsthand. “We would welcome her to visit China more often when she has the opportunity,” Mao Ning said, adding with a smile that the invitation was meant to be taken lightly. Zacharia’s comments occurred shortly after she began her role as Trump’s press secretary. She was introduced to the public last week, but her debut press conference lasted less than 15 minutes, according to reports. During the brief session, she appeared nervous and stumbled through several answers. Some Trump allies reportedly expressed doubts about whether she is suited for the demanding position. Zacharia has faced additional scrutiny regarding her professional qualifications. She describes herself as a lawyer and has listed herself as general counsel for a conservative nonprofit based in California. However, she has not passed the U.S. bar exam, which is required to practice law in the country. When asked about her legal credentials, Zacharia admitted she had registered for the bar exam but became distracted by plans to move with her husband to China. Upon returning to the United States, she did not retake the exam because of the birth of her first child. Zacharia previously lived in China from 2011 to 2013, working at a prominent law firm in Beijing. According to her LinkedIn profile, she served as an associate at Zhong Lun Law Firm, one of China’s largest. However, she has not practiced law in the United States since her return. Her remarks about China’s sanitation infrastructure have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. While some supporters of Trump may view her comments as a reflection of broader U.S.-China tensions, others question the appropriateness of such statements coming from a high-ranking government official. Zacharia’s comments align with a larger narrative of U.S.-China rivalry, particularly in economic and technological spheres. Trump has frequently emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with China, despite differences over trade and other issues. Zacharia’s tenure as press secretary has been marked by controversy, including questions about her ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. Despite these challenges, she continues to serve in her capacity, with her next steps remaining uncertain.