The Plot Thickens
If you thought the news cycle couldn't get any more chaotic, let’s talk about Katie Zacharia. Fresh off her five-day stint as White House press secretary, she is still trying to clean up her messy resume. We already knew she wasn't actually an attorney despite her career claims, but now, some truly strange details have surfaced about her alleged connection to an AI-powered rare-earths mining company called NRED Intelligent Mining.
The 'Fake' Board Seat
Back in June, NRED (formerly known as NovaRed) issued a press release claiming Zacharia—who had just left her role as a DHS spokesperson—was joining their advisory board. The move would have put her alongside former DHS secretary Kristi Noem.
But here’s the thing: it sounds like it never actually happened. When asked if she was on the board, Zacharia simply told WIRED, “That was fake.” Her associate Sam Amsterdam claimed the release was issued without her consent, comparing the whole ordeal to “signing up for a gym but never actually going for a workout.” Lowkey embarrassing, right? Even so, NRED’s website was still listing her as management as of this July.
Why it’s giving red flag
NRED seems to be pivoting hard from being a small Canadian copper-and-gold exploration company into some kind of “AI-assisted” mineral platform. The company is currently hiring folks with zero mining experience—like political consultants and TV producers—instead of, you know, actual geologists. Phil Ehr, a retired Navy commander who resigned from their board, was completely blindsided by the hiring of Noem and Zacharia, noting the company was stacking its ranks with controversial figures rather than industry experts. NRED’s incoming CEO, Valentin Saitarli, is out here talking about moon weddings and space hotels. The vibes? Officially off.
Why it matters
This isn't just about a resume blunder. It raises serious questions about how government officials transition into private roles—and whether these "AI" pivots from obscure companies are actually legit or just empty marketing hype meant to attract investors. Real talk: if a mining company is hiring PR people instead of engineers, take a step back and check the facts.
