Trump Picks Fox News Vet Katie Zacharia as New Press Secretary

President Donald Trump has selected Katie Zacharia to serve as the next White House Press Secretary, according to The Independent ^[2]. The role has been vacant since August, when Karoline Leavitt stepped down to focus on her family after giving birth to her second child in May ^[1].

Zacharia, a California native and former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, is known for her frequent appearances on Fox News and her conservative commentary ^[1]. She currently works as a communications adviser for Trump Media and Technology Group and has been involved with Ric Grenell’s Fix California, a group advancing the conservative agenda in the state ^[2].

Her appointment could shift dynamics within Trump’s inner circle, as she is closely aligned with Trump loyalists Ric Grenell and Corey Lewandowski—figures known to have tensions with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles ^[1]. Zacharia spent about three months at DHS earlier this year, departing after Markwayne Mullin became secretary in March.

A graduate of Pepperdine University with both undergraduate and law degrees, Zacharia began her political career interning at the Republican National Committee and later served in the White House Office of Political Affairs during George W. Bush’s second term ^[2]. She has long been active in GOP politics and has publicly praised Trump, calling him "the greatest president in U.S. history" in a recent op-ed for The New York Post.

The press secretary role demands regular on-camera briefings and media appearances, making it one of the most visible positions in the administration ^[1]. Zacharia, a mother of four, cited long commutes from California as a reason for leaving DHS, telling Just the News the schedule strained her family life.

The appointment marks a shift from Leavitt, who had served continuously under Trump since the final year of his first term ^[2]. Zacharia’s background in media and conservative activism suggests a more combative, message-driven approach to press briefings.

What happens next: Zacharia is expected to begin her duties soon, with her first official briefing likely in the coming weeks. The White House has not yet confirmed the appointment publicly.