President Donald Trump has offered the position of White House press secretary to Katie Zacharia, a conservative commentator and communications adviser to his media company, a White House official confirmed to The Hill. The New York Times first reported the news on Friday.
Zacharia, who previously served as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, would step into the role vacated by Karoline Leavitt, a close Trump ally who left the administration earlier this year after giving birth to her second child. Leavitt has since joined Fox News as a commentator.
Most recently, Zacharia served as a top communications adviser to Trump Media and Technology Group, the parent company of the president's social media platform, Truth Social. Her appointment signals the continued blending of the president's political operation, his business interests, and the official White House communications apparatus.
A familiar face in Trump's orbit
Zacharia's ties to the president extend beyond her role at his media company. She has been a vocal defender of Trump's policies and a frequent presence in conservative media circles. Her background in homeland security communications could bring a sharper edge to the briefing room, particularly on issues related to immigration and border security.
The announcement comes as the White House faces a series of pressing political challenges, including ongoing scrutiny of the administration's economic agenda and its handling of foreign policy. The press secretary role is critical for shaping the president's message and defending his record against a skeptical press corps.
Observers note that Zacharia's appointment continues a trend of the president elevating loyalists with strong media backgrounds to high-profile positions. Her experience at Truth Social may also signal an increased emphasis on using the platform to communicate directly with supporters, bypassing traditional media outlets.
For now, the White House has not set a formal start date for Zacharia, and the transition is expected to be announced in the coming days. The move has already drawn reactions from both sides of the aisle, with some praising her communications skills and others questioning her lack of direct experience in the White House press office.
As the administration prepares for the next phase of its term, the choice of press secretary will be closely watched as a barometer of how the president intends to engage with the media and the public.
