President Donald Trump announced Friday, October 11, that Katie Zacharia will serve as the next White House press secretary, effective immediately. Trump announced in a Truth Social post Sunday that Zacharia would begin her term on Monday, Columbus Day, with an introductory news conference scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from the White House Press Briefing Room.
Zacharia, 41, is a California native, attorney, and mother of four who graduated from Pepperdine University and the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. She currently serves as a senior communications advisor to Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, a position she has held since June. Prior to that role, she worked as a spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, serving in that position for two months before departing in March. Zacharia also serves as general counsel for Fix California, a conservative activist group founded by Richard Grenell, Trump's special presidential envoy for special missions.
Zacharia succeeds Karoline Leavitt, who departed her role at the end of August after giving birth to her second child. Leavitt, who at age 29 was the youngest person to hold the press secretary position, is expected to join Fox News as an on-air contributor beginning November 1. Trump described Leavitt in his announcement of her departure as "one of my most trusted aides" and said he "totally understand[s] and respect[s]" her decision to focus on her family.
In announcing Zacharia's appointment, Trump highlighted her long association with his political movement. "Katie has been with me, in spirit, from the very beginning," Trump wrote in his Truth Social post. He noted that she "was previously involved in my Campaigns, assisting in key Swing States, where we won 7 out of 7" and described her as possessing "an unblemished record of support" as "a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning." Trump also stated that Zacharia "is, likewise, a devoted fan and member of MAGA," referring to his Make America Great Again political brand.
Zacharia is a frequent commentator on conservative media outlets, with her IMDb profile listing dozens of appearances on Fox News political talk shows and other conservative platforms. She has not previously served as a White House press secretary. In a statement responding to her appointment, Zacharia said: "Thank you to President Trump for the distinguished privilege of serving as White House Press Secretary. Serving President Trump and the American people at this critical 250-year mark is the honor of a lifetime." She acknowledged the standard set by her predecessor, stating that "Following the fabulous Karoline Leavitt is a high standard, and one worth meeting."
The timing of the appointment comes as the Trump administration approaches the November 3 midterm elections, less than a month away. According to reporting from multiple sources, the briefing room has seen limited activity since Leavitt's departure in August, with Vice President JD Vance and Attorney General Todd Blanche each holding a formal briefing—just two in total. Senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio helped maintain the press operation during the transition period.
Former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served in that role during Trump's first term, offered congratulations and advice to Zacharia on social media. "Best advice I ever got: Don't be anyone other than who God created you to be," Sanders wrote. "White House press secretary is an amazing and challenging job. Best of luck to you and remember it's not the critics in the media who define you."
