Incoming Press Secretary Zacharia Defends Trump's Russia Diesel Deal

Incoming White House press secretary Katie Zacharia pledged to begin her duties Monday, defending President Donald Trump's recent diesel deal with Russia as a measure intended to lower prices for American consumers.

Speaking on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Zacharia stated that Trump is employing a "multifaceted" strategy to combat inflation while prioritizing U.S. interests globally. "President Trump has heard people have been frustrated with the gas prices. People are frustrated with the increasing grocery prices. And he is delivering what he always does, which are solutions," Zacharia said.

The agreement, announced by Trump on Friday, involves Russia's commitment to supply substantial amounts of diesel fuel to the American and global markets. Trump stated that Russia agreed to "immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter."

Zacharia asserted that the deal would result in "cheaper gas, cheaper groceries." She also suggested the diesel agreement could contribute to peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia, drawing parallels to Trump's past dealings with Venezuela, Canada, and Greenland.

Zacharia also commented on the upcoming midterm elections, expressing a desire for more legislative achievements from congressional Republicans. She indicated that President Trump had done all he could but suggested more could have been accomplished with key legislation, such as the SAVE America Act.

In a separate appearance on "Jesse Watters Primetime" Friday evening, Zacharia criticized Democratic campaign tactics, alleging that the party is strategically limiting public appearances of certain candidates. "This is what happened with Joe Biden, basement Joe, for the 2020 election. We didn't see him until we had to," she said, adding, "They think they can hide these candidates and we won't notice."

She cited California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra and Texas Senate candidate James Talarico as examples of Democrats she believes are being kept out of the spotlight. Talarico had recently reappeared on the campaign trail after an approximately two-week absence.

Zacharia shared that President Trump personally informed her of her appointment as press secretary, stating he called her because he "loved what a fighter I was for him." She expressed confidence in her ability to "continue doing what I've been doing, which is promote all of the things that President Trump is doing on behalf of the American people."

Trump announced Zacharia's appointment on Truth Social, calling her a "loyal and brilliant supporter" and a "devoted fan and member of MAGA." He stated he was confident she would "deliver strong results for our Country as the next White House Press Secretary."