Ex White House press secretary Zacharia says she was not prepared for ‘hostility’ in viral interview

Former White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia has spoken out about her "hostile" interview with Fox's Sean Hannity.

​Zacharia left the role earlier this month after serving just five days and hosting a single press briefing that was widely mocked.

​Speaking on Newsmax's Finnerty, she opened up about her experience on Hannity, in which the show's eponymous host grilled her over law credentials the day before she was fired

​"I'm just as perplexed about what happened specifically with Sean Hannity," Zacharia told host Rob Finnerty Tuesday. "We never had a conversation about my educational background."

​Zacharia came under fire for repeatedly describing herself as a "lawyer" despite her failing the bar exam.

Katie Zacharia says that she was 'not prepared' for Sean Hannity's 'hostility' during their interview (Newsmax)

​The former press secretary was asked by Finnerty if she would ever return to Hannity's show, after her tense interview with the Fox News host.

​"Look, I never bow away from a fight or back away from a fight, Rob. I've been on CNN," she answered. "I've debated some of the most hostile, not anchors, but guests.

"And I have been able to do it with grace, with dignity, and walk away and even maintain decorum," she continued.

"But because I had had a very friendly rapport with Sean and he had even made very backing statements about me on Tuesday, October 13th, really coming to my defense, I was not prepared for the hostility that I received."

​Zacharia unfollowed Hannity on social media following their interview, during which he referred to her press briefing as being "widely panned" and asked her directly whether she passed the bar exam.

​At the time, journalist Aaron Rupar remarked on X: "Hannity is moving in for the kill."

Zacharia was widely criticised after holding her first press briefing as White House press secretary (Getty)

​Amid the widespread social media and press coverage of her performance in the role, Trump was the one to suggest that she "reconsider" her position.

​He told reporters that he said to Zacharia: "You don't have to do this if you don't want."

​Speaking on Newsmax, she said that she would work for Trump again.

​"Absolutely. I would do so in a heartbeat," she said, although caveating that by saying that she may not do so as press secretary: "I don't know if I'd say I want the old job back, though. If the president asked, as he did before, I would take it, Rob."

Asked who could replace her as the White House press secretary, Zacharia suggested news anchor Maria Bartiromo.

​"I thought Maria Bartiromo was an excellent choice for President Trump," she said. "She is tough. She is loyal. She knows every little detail on the business side, but also on the political side."