The White House has been rocked by turnover and anxiety over the midterms. The president, who is tightening his inner circle, has lashed out at critics, held meandering rallies and feasted on a diet of news clips and “A.I. slop,” as one aide put it.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times

Ms. Zacharia spent eight minutes reading from a script, called on only three reporters and made an awkward slip-up.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times