Katie Zacharia a conservative commenter, has been selected by Donald Trumpto serve as the next White House press secretary, replacingKaroline Leavittin the job. Multiple outlets reported the news on October 9, 2026.
Zacharia has extensive experience in conservative media and Republican politics. She previously served as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security and worked for Trump Media & Technology Group, which is the company behind Truth Social.
Here are five things to know about Zacharia, from her career to her reported selection as Trump’s new press secretary.
1. Katie Zacharia Is a Conservative Commentator and Lawyer
Zacharia is an attorney, political strategist and conservative media commentator who has built her career across law, Republican politics and public affairs.
Her background in media and communications has helped establish her as a familiar voice in conservative circles. Zacharia has also publicly expressed strong support for Trump and his policies, positioning her as an ally of the president’s political agenda.
2. Katie Zacharia Previously Worked at the Department of Homeland Security
Zacharia joined the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in February 2026, serving as a spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs under then-Secretary Kristi Noem.
Her tenure was brief, though. She left the department in early April and returned to media and advisory work. Zacharia’s experience at DHS gave her direct exposure to the federal government’s communications operations and immigration policy debates.
3. Katie Zacharia Worked With Trump Media and Technology Group
Before her reported selection as press secretary, Zacharia worked as a senior communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform.
4. Katie Zacharia Graduated From Pepperdine University
Zacharia earned her undergraduate degree and law degree from Pepperdine University in California. While pursuing her education, she gained early experience in Republican politics and government, including internships with the Republican National Committee and the White House Office of Political Affairs during PresidentGeorge W. Bush‘s administration.
She later worked in the legal field, including time in Beijing, China, before expanding her career into political advocacy, communications and media commentary.
5. Katie Zacharia Is Expected to Replace Karoline Leavitt
Zacharia has reportedly been offered the position of White House press secretary, according to multiple outlets. However, it’s still unclear whether she formally accepted the offer.
If she takes the job, Zacharia will succeed Leavitt, who left the role at the end of August 2026. Leavitt served as one of Trump’s most prominent public-facing aides, regularly defending the administration’s policies during White House press briefings.
As press secretary, Zacharia would become a central spokesperson for the president.
