Trump Picks New Press Secretary

President Donald Trump has selected conservative political commentator Katie Zacharia to become the next White House press secretary, following Karoline Leavitt’s departure earlier this year. The decision was reported Friday, October 9, with White House officials confirming that Zacharia had been offered the position. Zacharia, a frequent guest on Fox News and Newsmax, has experience in Republican politics, government communications, and conservative advocacy.

She would replace Leavitt, who stepped down in August to focus on her family after welcoming her second child on May 1. Leavitt served as Trump’s first press secretary during his second administration and became one of the administration’s most recognizable public figures. The position has remained vacant since her departure, prompting speculation about who would assume the prominent communications role.

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Zacharia, a mother of four, previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security before leaving the agency earlier this year.

Her tenure lasted approximately three months and included service under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Zacharia reportedly maintained close relationships with Noem and political adviser Corey Lewandowski during her time at the department.

She departed after Markwayne Mullin became homeland security secretary in March.

In an interview with Just the News, Zacharia explained that traveling between California and Washington had created difficulties for her family.

BREAKING: Katie Zacharia has been offered the White House press secretary role. It is not yet clear whether she has accepted the offer.

@AmericaRpts @JacquiHeinrich https://t.co/yEPhr5F0J3

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 9, 2026

Her potential return to Washington would therefore represent a significant personal decision, particularly given the demanding schedule associated with the press secretary position.

Beyond her government experience, Zacharia has longstanding connections to Republican political organizations.

While attending Pepperdine University, she interned with the Republican National Committee and later worked in the White House Office of Political Affairs during President George W. Bush’s second term.

She also holds a law degree from Pepperdine University.

More recently, Zacharia has worked with Fix California, a conservative organization established by longtime Trump ally Ric Grenell.

The organization promotes conservative political priorities in California, a state where Republicans have struggled to regain statewide influence.

Zacharia has also served as a senior communications adviser to Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social.

Her connections to Grenell, Noem, and Lewandowski could introduce additional political considerations within the administration.

According to the New York Post, Grenell and Lewandowski have experienced longstanding tensions with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.

Those relationships could become relevant as Zacharia assumes a position that requires close coordination with senior White House officials.

As press secretary, Zacharia would serve as a leading public spokesperson for the administration, conducting briefings, answering questions from journalists, and explaining presidential policy decisions.

The job also requires frequent television appearances and rapid responses to national and international developments.

Trump’s selection comes ahead of the November midterm elections, when the administration’s communications strategy is expected to receive heightened scrutiny.

Although the offer has been confirmed, initial reports did not establish whether Zacharia had formally accepted the position.