Katie Zacharia appointed White House press secretary by Donald Trump

President Donald Trump has appointed conservative commentator and corporate communications advisor Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary, filling a vacancy left by Karoline Leavitt.

Trump announced the appointment on Truth Social, stating that Zacharia would officially assume her duties on Columbus Day and host her introductory briefing from the White House Press Briefing Room on Tuesday at 9:30 AM.

Zacharia called the selection the "honor of a lifetime" in a post on Truth Social, saying her focus would be on "delivering strong results for our Country and communicating to the American people the major wins that this Administration is making every single day."

Background at Trump Media and Homeland Security

Zacharia moves to the West Wing directly from Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, where public professional records indicate she has worked as a senior communications advisor since June.

A lawyer by training, Zacharia earned her law degree from the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, where she serves on the dean's council. She also served as general counsel at Fix California, an advocacy organisation founded by Richard Grenell, Trump's special presidential envoy for special missions.

Earlier this year, Zacharia completed a two-month communications role at the Department of Homeland Security, which ended in March. Alongside her legal and corporate roles, she has been a frequent commentator on US television networks including Fox News, Fox Business, and Newsmax.

Trump commended Zacharia's record of loyalty, writing that she had assisted his political efforts in critical swing states and had supported his movement from its early stages.

Succession and White House messaging

Zacharia replaces Leavitt, who departed the administration in late August following maternity leave after the birth of her second child. Leavitt has since signed on as an on-air contributor at Fox News. Zacharia praised her predecessor upon the announcement, acknowledging that "following the fabulous Karoline Leavitt is a high standard, and one worth meeting."

The appointment comes amid public remarks from Trump suggesting frustration with how his administration's policy achievements have been communicated ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Speaking at recent events in Oklahoma and Washington, the president argued that the White House needed more effective public relations to reach voters.

Zacharia will face the White House press corps for the first time during Tuesday's scheduled morning session.