President Donald Trump named conservative commentator Katie Zacharia as the next White House press secretary on October 9, 2026. Zacharia, a California attorney and former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, will replace Karoline Leavitt as the administration’s sixth chief spokesperson across two administrations.
The appointment marks a transition for the White House press office following the departure of Karoline Leavitt in late August. The White House James S. Brady Press Briefing Room has not held a formal briefing since September 3, when Vice President JD Vance addressed reporters.
Zacharia currently works as a senior communications adviser for Trump Media and Technology Group, the organization operating Truth Social. Her background spans conservative media appearances on Fox News and Newsmax, legal work in California, and a brief tenure earlier this year as a spokesperson at the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump Announces Zacharia Selection on Truth Social
President Trump announced the selection on Truth Social, describing Zacharia as a loyal supporter with an unblemished record of support right from the beginning of his political efforts. Trump highlighted her involvement in past election cycles.
The president expressed confidence in her ability to handle relations with reporters and the public. His announcement followed initial reporting from the New York Times regarding the job offer.
Zacharia Brings Legal Background and Prior Government Experience
Zacharia completed her undergraduate studies and law degree at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Her professional history includes working as an intern for the Republican National Committee and serving within the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Bush administration in 2006. She also spent nearly two years clerking at a law firm in Beijing, China, starting in 2011.
More recently, she served as general counsel for Fix California, a conservative non-profit organization established by Ric Grenell, who currently serves as Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions.
Her federal government experience includes a brief stint at the Department of Homeland Security from February to March of this year. Zacharia later explained that she stepped down from the role due to the physical strain of frequent travel between Washington and her home in California on her family.
Media Commentary and Public Defense of Administration Policies
A familiar face across conservative networks, Zacharia has spent years defending the Trump administration’s agenda. In a June interview with the BBC, she defended the administration’s decision to host a televised UFC fight at the White House, arguing that the sport embodies foundational national principles.
Acceptance and Future Press Operations
Following the presidential announcement, Zacharia posted a statement on X acknowledging the appointment and pointing to the nation’s upcoming milestone.
She noted that Trump has shown America that we can be great again, and he works to effectuate that greatness every single day. Zacharia stated that she looks forward to collaborating with the White House press corps, and with reporters across the country, to get that record out.
Her arrival follows other recent staffing adjustments by the administration, which included bringing in Beni Rae Harmony from Real America’s Voice to serve as assistant press secretary.
