Donald Trump appoints Katie Zacharia as new White House press secretary

On October 9, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary. Zacharia, a 41-year-old lawyer, conservative political commentator, and former senior communications adviser for the Trump Media & Technology Group, succeeds Karoline Leavitt, who resigned in August to focus on her family.

Zacharia’s career includes work with the conservative organization Fix California, stints at Fox News and Newsmax, and a brief period at the Department of Homeland Security. President Trump praised her as a loyal supporter and integral member of the MAGA movement, expressing confidence in her ability to effectively communicate his administration’s agenda. In a social media post, Zacharia described the role as the honor of a lifetime and stated her intention to work closely with the national press corps.

This appointment comes at a critical time as the White House prepares for the upcoming midterm elections, where the control of Congress will be a central issue. While some early reports noted uncertainty regarding whether Zacharia had accepted the offer, her subsequent public statements confirmed her commitment to the position. Her appointment highlights a shift toward a more television-focused communication strategy, given her extensive media background.