The White House is ending a weeks-long period without a permanent press secretary when Katie Zacharia makes her briefing room debut on Tuesday. She succeeds Karoline Leavitt, who departed the role in August, marking the next shift in President Donald Trump's communications team.
President Trump announced the appointment on Truth Social on Sunday, stating that Zacharia will begin her term on Columbus Day and hold an introductory news conference at 9:30 A.M. from the White House Press Briefing Room. "Katie has been with me, in spirit, from the very beginning, and will do a fantastic job!" Trump wrote.
Zacharia is an attorney and television commentator who previously served as senior communications adviser to Trump Media & Technology Group, the company that operates Truth Social. Her career in government communications also includes a role as deputy assistant secretary for public affairs and spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
Leavitt served as the first press secretary of Trump's second administration for 19 months before leaving on August 27. During Trump's first term, the role was held by four different officials: Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham, and Kayleigh McEnany. Since Leavitt's departure, the White House has relied on a rotating lineup of senior officials to lead briefings, including Vice President JD Vance and Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Zacharia appeared on "Fox & Friends Weekend" on Saturday in her new capacity, discussing a deal announced by the administration with Russia to supply more than 1.8 million tons of diesel fuel to U.S. and global markets. The move is intended to lower fuel and grocery costs. "President Trump has heard people have been frustrated with the gas prices," Zacharia said. "People are frustrated with the increasing grocery prices. And he is delivering what he always does, which are solutions."
In a post on X on Friday, Zacharia thanked Trump for what she described as a "distinguished privilege." "Serving President Trump and the American people at this critical 250-year mark is the honor of a lifetime," she wrote. She stated that her work ahead involves delivering strong results and communicating the administration's major wins to the American people.
"Following the fabulous Karoline Leavitt is a high standard, and one worth meeting," Zacharia added in her post.
Former press secretary Sean Spicer commented on the transition to Fox News Digital on Friday. He described Zacharia as an effective champion of MAGA movement and America First policies who has the trust of President Trump. Spicer suggested that reporters would find her approachable and collaborative with the press corps, while jokingly criticizing his own demeanor during his tenure.