Who is Katie Zacharia? Trump’s pick for White House press secretary

On August 10, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced that conservative commentator Katie Zacharia would replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary. This marked Zacharia's sixth role as the nation's chief spokesperson since Trump's first administration. Zacharia currently works for Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates the social media platform.

Trump praised Zacharia as "loyal and a devoted fan and member of MAGA (Make America Great Again)." He highlighted her past involvement in his presidential campaigns, specifically in swing states where they won all seven elections.

Zacharia, 42, is a frequent commentator on conservative news outlets like Newsmax and Fox News. She had previously interned for the Republican National Committee (RNC) and worked in the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Bush administration in 2006. She briefly served as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security earlier this year.

Trained in law, Zacharia earned her degree from Pepperdine University in California. Her previous legal and political roles included serving as a general counsel for Fix California, a conservative non-profit, and working as a clerk at a law firm in Beijing for two years.

Karoline Leavitt, who held the position of White House press secretary, announced her departure from the role on August 12 and left on August 27. She is set to become an on-air contributor on Fox News Channel starting November 1. Leavitt expressed her gratitude in a post on X, thanking Trump for the honor and noting his dedication to making America great again.