Katie Zacharia Appointed White House Press Secretary
The 42-year-old lawyer and frequent media commentator brings a history of conservative advocacy and a notable tenure at the Department of Homeland Security to the role.
Donald Trump announced Friday that Katie Zacharia will assume the position of White House Press Secretary, succeeding Karoline Leavitt. Zacharia, 42, is known for her conservative viewpoints and frequent appearances on cable news networks such as Fox News and Newsmax.
Zacharia, who is married to Hollywood producer Tyler Zacharia and has four children, began her political career as an intern for the Republican National Committee. She holds an undergraduate degree from Pepperdine University's Seaver College and a law degree from its Caruso School of Law. Her professional background includes corporate and political advocacy, as well as a stint in the White House Office of Political Affairs during the George W. Bush administration. She also worked as outside counsel for the World Bank in China.
Earlier this year, Zacharia served briefly as a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Her tenure, which began in February, lasted approximately six weeks before her departure in March. Reports at the time suggested her exit was linked to her association with Corey Lewandowski, an advisor to Kristi Noem. Zacharia, however, stated that the demanding travel schedule between Washington D.C. and her home in California was the reason for her resignation, citing the strain on her family.
Following her departure from DHS, Zacharia worked as a communications advisor for Trump Media and Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social.
Zacharia has been open about the challenges of public life and the backlash she has faced for her support of Donald Trump. In a September Instagram post, she described the political sphere as "BRUTAL" and noted that she endures "DAILY heat for it." She has expressed a desire to shield her family from public scrutiny while also conveying pride in her husband's work.
In an essay published in the New York Post in February, Zacharia detailed an incident where she was asked by a gym owner not to wear her Trump hat due to complaints from other patrons. She stated her refusal to remove the hat, asserting her First Amendment rights and criticizing what she termed "raw, unfiltered intolerance."
Trump confirmed Zacharia's appointment via a Truth Social post, describing her as "outstanding" and highlighting her "unblemished record of support" and loyalty to the MAGA movement. Leavitt concluded her tenure as Press Secretary at the end of August to focus on her two young children.