Who is Katie Zacharia? Things to know about Trump’s new White House Press Secretary

President Donald Trump has selected conservative commentator Katie Zacharia as his next White House press secretary, bringing a familiar face from right-wing media and Trump-aligned organisations into one of the administration’s most visible communications roles.

According to CNN, multiple White House officials confirmed Zacharia’s selection after Trump consulted allies and advisers, including outgoing press secretary Karoline Leavitt, before making his decision.

The appointment emerged quickly. A person familiar with the search told CNN that Zacharia was not being considered for the position as recently as the previous week. Her selection followed a search in which some potential candidates reportedly fell out of consideration after their past criticism of Trump came to light.

Zacharia’s background spans conservative media appearances, government communications, legal advising and work connected to Trump’s media business. Her appointment places someone with experience defending conservative positions before television audiences at the centre of the White House’s daily messaging operation.

Who Is Katie Zacharia?

Katie Zacharia is a conservative commentator and communications professional who has appeared on Fox News, Newsmax and CNN. Before her selection as press secretary, she held positions connected to the Trump administration and Trump Media & Technology Group.

Her career has included government service, political work and legal advising for conservative organisations. These roles have given her experience across several parts of the political communications landscape, from television commentary to institutional messaging.

Zacharia first entered Washington politics in 2006, when she worked as an intern for the Republican National Committee during President George W. Bush’s administration. That early experience came years before Trump became the central figure in the Republican Party.

Her appointment signals the administration’s preference for a communicator with established conservative credentials and familiarity with Trump-aligned political networks.

Katie Zacharia’s Role at the Department of Homeland Security

Zacharia recently served as a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), although her time there was brief.

CNN reported that she spent approximately two months in the department before moving to a role connected to Trump Media & Technology Group and Truth Social. Her experience at DHS is notable because immigration and border enforcement remain central issues in the Trump administration’s political agenda.

Zacharia lives in California and has young children. According to a source familiar with the matter cited by CNN, she commuted between California and Washington while working at DHS and told a friend the arrangement was not sustainable.

The reporting offers a glimpse into the practical considerations surrounding her government service. It does not establish that her departure from DHS was caused by a dispute or disagreement with the administration.

What Was Katie Zacharia Doing Before Trump Selected Her?

According to her LinkedIn profile, Zacharia had served as a senior communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group and Truth Social since June 2026.

Trump Media & Technology Group operates Truth Social, the social media platform closely associated with the president. Zacharia’s work there placed her within the communications network surrounding a company and platform central to Trump’s public messaging.

She also served as a legal adviser for Fix California, a conservative group founded by Richard Grenell, a longtime Trump ally who has held senior roles in the president’s political orbit.

These positions connect Zacharia to organisations involved in conservative advocacy and Trump-aligned communications. Her experience differs from that of a traditional White House press secretary whose career may have been built primarily through government press offices or campaign communications.

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How Did Katie Zacharia Get the White House Job?

Trump reportedly consulted several allies and advisers while looking for a replacement for Karoline Leavitt. CNN reported that the president also sought Leavitt’s advice before settling on Zacharia.

The search was complicated by the political records of some potential candidates. According to a White House official cited by CNN, senior officials had narrowed the field on multiple occasions before discovering past remarks critical of Trump, which reportedly disqualified those candidates.

Zacharia’s name had not been under consideration as recently as the previous week, according to another person familiar with the process. The relatively rapid decision suggests the final selection came together late in the search.

CNN reported that Zacharia was in the Oval Office with Trump on Friday morning, October 9, 2026, and said it had reached out to her for comment.

What the Appointment Could Mean for White House Communications

The White House press secretary serves as a principal public spokesperson for the president, regularly addressing reporters, responding to questions and communicating the administration’s position on policy and political controversies.

Zacharia’s experience in television commentary could be useful in an environment where White House messaging extends beyond official briefings to cable news, social media and direct communication with supporters.

Her work with Trump Media and Truth Social may also give her familiarity with the president’s preferred communication channels. However, her appointment alone does not establish whether the administration will change its briefing schedule, press access or approach to answering questions from journalists.

Attention will likely focus on how she handles contentious questions, communicates policy decisions and manages the relationship between the White House and the press corps.

Who Is Katie Zacharia Replacing?

Zacharia has been selected to replace Karoline Leavitt, who served as Trump’s White House press secretary. Leavitt was among the people Trump reportedly consulted during the search for her successor.

The press secretary position is one of the administration’s most visible jobs because its holder routinely speaks on behalf of the president and fields questions about government decisions.

Leavitt’s involvement in advising Trump on the choice also points to continuity in the administration’s internal communications network, even as the role moves to a new spokesperson.

What to Watch After Katie Zacharia’s Selection

The next significant developments will be the timing of Zacharia’s formal transition into the position and her first public appearances in the role. The details of her responsibilities, start date and approach to White House briefings should be distinguished from the initial announcement of her selection.

Her background also raises questions about how the administration will draw on her experience in conservative media and Trump’s business-related communications. Those questions will become clearer through her public statements and the way she conducts briefings.

For now, the confirmed picture is of a conservative commentator with experience at DHS, Trump Media & Technology Group, Truth Social and Fix California moving into a senior White House communications role after a rapid selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Katie Zacharia

Who is Katie Zacharia?

Katie Zacharia is a conservative commentator and communications professional selected by President Donald Trump as his next White House press secretary, according to CNN.

What is Katie Zacharia known for?

She is known for appearances on Fox News, Newsmax and CNN, as well as communications work linked to Trump Media & Technology Group and Truth Social.

Did Katie Zacharia work for the Department of Homeland Security?

Yes. CNN reported that Zacharia spent about two months as a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security before moving to a communications role at Trump Media & Technology Group and Truth Social.

What did Katie Zacharia do before joining the Trump administration?

Zacharia worked in conservative politics and communications. She began her Washington experience as a Republican National Committee intern in 2006 and later served as a legal adviser to Fix California, a conservative group founded by Richard Grenell.

Who is Katie Zacharia replacing as White House press secretary?

She was selected to replace Karoline Leavitt, who held the position under Trump.

Does Katie Zacharia work for Truth Social?

According to her LinkedIn profile, Zacharia served as a senior communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group and Truth Social beginning in June 2026.

Why did Donald Trump choose Katie Zacharia?

CNN reported that Trump consulted advisers, including Leavitt, before offering Zacharia the position. The supplied reporting does not provide a detailed public explanation from Trump of his final decision.

When did Trump select Katie Zacharia?

CNN reported the selection on Friday, October 9, 2026. Its report said Zacharia had not been under consideration as recently as the previous week.