Donald Trump has selected conservative media personality 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 vacated by Karoline Leavitt.
Zacharia, 42, is an attorney and regular contributor on Fox News and Newsmax. Her previous government posting lasted only six weeks before she suddenly departed the Department of Homeland Security in March.
Trump announced the 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 for Trump Media and Technology Group, the company that operates Truth Social. The New York Times reported that Trump chose her for the briefing-room post on Friday.
Leavitt resigned at the end of August, saying she wanted to devote more time to her two young children. Her departure left the White House briefing room without a permanent press secretary for more than a month. According to CNN, Trump spoke with Leavitt before making his final decision.
Zacharia reportedly met with Trump Friday morning, only hours before news of her appointment began circulating.
Several MAGA-aligned media figures had been mentioned as possible contenders, including CNN political commentator Scott Jennings, former Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo and ex-Trump attorney Alina Habba.
Zacharia, an attorney and regular Fox News and Newsmax guest, spent only six weeks as a DHS spokesperson before abruptly leaving the position in March
After departing DHS, she joined Trump Media and Technology Group as a communications adviser
Zacharia is married to Hollywood producer Tyler Zacharia, pictured above
Leavitt stepped down at the end of August to spend more time with her two young children, leaving the White House without a permanent press secretary for over a month
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How might Katie Zacharia’s controversial background affect public confidence in the White House press office?
Zacharia studied at Pepperdine University’s Seaver College before earning her law degree from the school’s Caruso School of Law. She later built a career focused on corporate communications and political advocacy.
Her departure from DHS became the subject of controversy after reports suggested she had been forced out because of her close relationship with Corey Lewandowski, Noem’s adviser and the subject of rumors about a romantic relationship with the secretary.
Zacharia strongly rejected that explanation at the time. She said she chose to leave because the repeated travel between Washington and her California home had become too difficult for her family.
The Daily Mail has contacted Zacharia seeking comment.
Zacharia is now the seventh consecutive woman to serve as White House press secretary, a run that began after Sean Spicer held the position.
Her appointment may create new tensions inside the White House communications operation because of her reported ties to Lewandowski, who has a long-running conflict 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.