Trump Taps Katie Zacharia as Next White House Press Secretary
President Trump announced Katie Zacharia, an attorney and former Department of Homeland Security official, as his next White House press secretary. She replaces Karoline Leavitt, who left the administration in August, and takes the role shortly before the November midterm elections. Zacharia has worked on Trump campaigns, at Trump Media & Technology Group, and as a Fox News and Newsmax commentator.
Zacharia, 41, is a California-born attorney and mother of four who studied law at Pepperdine. Her résumé includes Trump campaign work, Fox News and Newsmax commentary, a two-month DHS public-affairs post that ended in March, and a June communications role at Trump Media & Technology Group. She also lists general counsel work for Richard Grenell’s Fix California.
Trump announced her selection Friday. She replaces Karoline Leavitt, who departed in August and starts as a Fox News contributor on November 1. Since Leavitt left, only Vice President JD Vance and Attorney General Todd Blanche have held formal briefings, according to the article. The midterms are less than a month away.
The appointment may shape how the administration communicates with reporters and the public before the midterms. Voters, journalists, and government staff could be affected as briefing frequency and messaging change. A press secretary with campaign and media experience may influence which stories gain traction, while scrutiny of her statements could affect public trust. Because the midterms are near, her performance could matter to candidates and voters assessing administration priorities.