Katie Zacharia appointed as White House press secretary, replacing Karoline Leavitt

WASHINGTON — Katie Zacharia, a former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, will be the White House press secretary, President Trump announced, describing her as a "loyal and brilliant supporter." Zacharia is a longtime supporter of Trump and has been active in conservative media, particularly on Fox News. She has also contributed op-eds to The Post. "She’s a friend of most of you," Trump told reporters at the White House about his new spokesperson. "I know she likes people. She likes all of you, actually. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but we just hired a new press secretary. And she’s going to be, I think, terrific." Trump noted her connections to his team and her extensive career in Republican politics during the announcement. "She was previously involved in my Campaigns, assisting in key Swing States, where we won 7 out of 7," he wrote on Truth Social. "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!" Zacharia expressed her gratitude for the appointment, calling it "the honor of a lifetime." "President Trump has shown America that we can be great again, and he works to effectuate that greatness every single day. His confidence is a true privilege, and his leadership is a blessing to this country," she wrote on X about her appointment. "I look forward to working with the White House press corps, and with reporters across the country, to get that record out." Zacharia works at Fix California, an organization founded by Trump special envoy Ric Grenell that focuses on advancing the conservative agenda in California. She also advises the Trump Media & Technology Group, which is the president’s social media company. She will replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the job in August to spend more time with her family following the birth of her second child on May 1. Zacharia spent about three months at the Department of Homeland Security earlier this year, leaving after Markwayne Mullin took over as secretary in March. While at DHS, she was reported to be close to then-Secretary Kristi Noem and her special adviser Corey Lewandowski. Zacharia’s appointment could change the dynamics of Trump’s inner circle, given Lewandowski and Grenell’s long-standing distaste for White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. However, Trump expressed confidence that the 42-year-old would integrate well with his team. "She has the respect of, and will work fantastically with, the Media, the American People, and my Administration," he wrote in a Truth Social post, concluding with: "Good luck Katie." A mother of four, Zacharia cited the long commute from California as a reason for her departure from DHS, stating it strained her family. The role of press secretary is highly visible, requiring regular on-camera briefings with reporters and standalone television news appearances. Zacharia has a long background in Republican politics, having interned for the Republican National Committee while attending Pepperdine University and worked in the White House Office of Political Affairs during George W. Bush’s second term.