Fox News Star Steps In to Support Kristi Noem Amid Political Challenges

A seasoned television commentator with a notable presence on Fox News is stepping into a significant role within the Trump administration. Katie Zacharia, 41, has been appointed as the new spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Kristi Noem. This move comes as the department faces intense scrutiny following the tragic shootings of two anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis, marking a pivotal moment in Donald Trump’s presidency. Zacharia, a mother of four, will succeed 31-year-old Tricia McLaughlin, becoming the public face of Trump’s immigration policies. Her career includes work as an attorney for the World Bank in China and involvement in Republican political campaigns. DHS officials noted that McLaughlin’s departure was postponed due to the aftermath of the incidents involving Renee Good and Alex Pretti, whom she labeled as ‘domestic terrorists.’

McLaughlin’s time at the DHS was overshadowed by allegations of corruption linked to her husband’s advertising firm, which allegedly profited from a $220 million contract with the agency. A DHS representative clarified that the agency did not select the subcontractor. An insider from the DHS told the Daily Mail that McLaughlin’s departure was more of an escape than a resignation, suggesting she was distancing herself from the controversial ties with Homeland Security Secretary’s rumored partner, Corey Lewandowski. Known for her strong conservative opinions, Zacharia has been a familiar face on cable news, engaging in debates as a prime-time contributor for both Newsmax and Fox News. Despite her LinkedIn profile listing her as a Fox News commentator, a network spokesperson clarified she has only appeared as a guest.

McLaughlin’s responsibilities will now be divided between two new appointees: Zacharia, who takes on the role of deputy assistant secretary and spokeswoman, and Lauren Bis, who will be the assistant secretary. This restructuring was reportedly orchestrated by Corey Lewandowski, who plays a crucial role within Noem’s team. Lewandowski was directly involved in the decision to have the Fox News personality become the on-camera representative for DHS as public support for their immigration policies wanes. Bis, who previously served as McLaughlin’s deputy assistant secretary for media relations, will primarily handle behind-the-scenes work, while Zacharia will focus on television appearances and public engagements. Zacharia is now tasked with leading an agency she has often critiqued from the commentator’s chair, having consistently criticized government inefficiencies on various national platforms.

A source close to Zacharia said that she is officially stepping into the new role on February 23. Zacharia spent three years in China working as an outside counsel for the World Bank. She is married to film producer Tyler Zacharia – both attended Pepperdine University – and they have four children. McLaughlin originally planned on jumping ship from DHS in December but delayed due to the fallout from Good and Pretti’s deaths. She is expected to announce her plans to colleagues on Tuesday before departing DHS next week. McLaughlin’s resignation comes as public opinion has plummeted on Trump’s immigration crackdowns in major US cities.

Sources say McLaughlin decided to leave after becoming ‘exhausted’ by the constant scandals engulfing Noem. ‘Tricia was spent… she was exhausted. She just couldn’t take it anymore. It’s a pretty toxic role,’ a DHS source told the Daily Mail. Following the shootings of Good, a mother of three, and Pretti, an ICU nurse, by immigration agents McLaughlin defended their killings by labelling them ‘domestic terrorists’ who had ill–intent. Her departure coincides with a funding cutoff for the department as Democrats have painted Trump’s blood-soaked immigration enforcement as a national disaster. As Noem began losing control over the public messaging in Minneapolis, Trump sent in White House border czar Tom Homan to take charge over the crackdown.

Homan is the chief rival of Noem and her rumored lover Corey Lewandowski. His takeover of Minneapolis suggested Trump had lost confidence in Noem’s leadership. McLaughlin, meanwhile, dodged accusations of corruption during her final months in DHS. An advertisement firm owned by Ben Yoho, McLaughlin’s husband, benefitted from a $220 million taxpayer–funded media campaign. The firm, which is also tied to Noem and Lewandowski, was paid from the media campaign, raising concerns of potential conflicts–of–interest. ‘Tricia McLaughlin has served with exceptional dedication, tenacity, and professionalism,’ Noem wrote on X. ‘She has played an instrumental role in advancing our mission to secure the homeland and keep Americans safe.’ ‘While we are sad to see her leave, we are grateful for her service and wish Tricia nothing but success.’