Katie Zacharia, a former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, is the new White House press secretary, President Trump announced Friday.
She fills the post vacated by Karoline Leavitt at the end of August.
“It is my Great Honor to have just appointed, as Press Secretary, Katie Zacharia,” Mr. Trump said on Truth Social.
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Ms. Zacharia, a conservative news commentator who makes frequent appearances on Fox News, briefly worked at the Department of Homeland Security. She left the administration after roughly six weeks, citing family strain from travel between Washington and California.
She also serves as a communications adviser for the Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates Truth Social. She also works as the general counsel and legal advisor for Fix California, an organization focused on advancing conservative policies, according to her LinkedIn.
Mr. Trump lauded Ms. Zacharia’s resume, including graduating from Pepperdine University and the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, as well as serving as a senior advisor to Truth Social.
He added: “She was previously involved in my Campaigns, assisting in key Swing States, where we won 7 out of 7. She has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning. She is, likewise, a devoted fan and member of MAGA! I am confident that Katie will deliver strong results for our Country as the next White House Press Secretary, as she has the respect of, and will work fantastically with, the Media, the American People, and my Administration. Katie is replacing the fabulous Karoline Leavitt, who did a fantastic job as Press Secretary. Good luck Katie!”
In early 2026, Ms. Zacharia briefly served as the spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at Homeland Security under then-Secretary Kristi Noem.
She has been a frequent television guest and analyst on conservative networks, including Fox News and Newsmax.
During her undergraduate years at Pepperdine University, she interned at the Republican National Committee and in the White House Office of Political Affairs during George W. Bush’s second term.
Ms. Leavitt was at the press briefing podium nearly two years before leaving to spend more time with her growing family, following the birth of her daughter.
The last briefing was Sept. 3, led by Vice President J.D. Vance.
Mr. Trump called Ms. Leavitt “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office,” leaving big shoes for Zacharia to fill.
At the time, Ms. Leavitt called her decision to leave “bittersweet.”
Ms. Leavitt went to Mr. Trump’s super PAC MAGA Inc., returning to the political fundraiser where she was its spokeswoman before joining the Trump 2024 campaign.
In November, she will also be joining Fox News as an on-air contributor.
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