Donald Trump has chosen conservative commentator Katie Zacharia, a former Homeland Security spokesperson during Kristi Noem’s tenure, to serve as White House press secretary. She will take over the role after Karoline Leavitt’s resignation.
Zacharia, 42, is a lawyer and regular guest on Fox News and Newsmax. She spent only six weeks as a DHS spokeswoman earlier this year before abruptly leaving the position in March.
Trump confirmed her appointment in a Truth Social post late Friday, describing the California native as “outstanding.”
“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,” the president wrote.
Since leaving DHS, Zacharia has worked as a communications adviser to Trump Media and Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social. The New York Times reported that Trump selected her for the podium on Friday.
Leavitt resigned at the end of August to devote more time to her two young children, leaving the briefing room without a permanent spokesperson for over a month. According to CNN, Trump personally consulted Leavitt before choosing Zacharia.
Zacharia reportedly met with Trump on Friday morning, only hours before news of her appointment became public.
Before Zacharia emerged as the leading candidate, several MAGA-friendly media personalities had been considered for the position, including CNN commentator Scott Jennings, former Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo and former Trump lawyer Alina Habba.
Zacharia, a lawyer and regular Fox News and Newsmax guest, spent only six weeks as a DHS spokeswoman earlier this year before abruptly leaving in March
She later joined Trump Media and Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social, as a communications adviser
She is married to Hollywood producer Tyler Zacharia, pictured above
Leavitt resigned at the end of August to spend more time with her two young children, leaving the briefing room without a permanent spokesperson for more than a month
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Zacharia earned her undergraduate degree at Pepperdine’s Seaver College before attending the university’s Caruso School of Law. She later began a career in corporate and political advocacy.
Her departure from DHS was surrounded by controversy, with reports claiming she was forced out because of her close relationship with Corey Lewandowski, Noem’s DHS adviser and rumored lover.
Zacharia strongly denied that explanation at the time, saying instead that she left because frequent travel between Washington and her California home had become too difficult for her family.
Our News Outlet has contacted Zacharia for comment.
Zacharia is the seventh consecutive woman to serve as press secretary, a run that began after Sean Spicer.
Her appointment could create tension within the White House press operation because of her ties to Lewandowski, who has a long-running feud with chief of staff Susie Wiles.
She first started in politics as a college intern for the Republican National Committee. She later worked in the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Bush administration.
Zacharia’s tenure starts just weeks before contentious midterm elections in which polling suggests Republicans could lose their majorities in the House and Senate amid voter anxiety over the cost of living.
She is married to Tyler Zacharia, a Hollywood producer, and the couple have four children.
