Meet Katie Zacharia: 5 things to know about Trump's new WH press secretary replacing Karoline Leavitt

Zacharia's appointment follows nearly six weeks without a permanent White House press secretary after Leavitt's departure in late August. Trump announced his selection on Truth Social, praising Zacharia's support for his political movement and her communications experience. Zacharia, who had been serving as a senior communications adviser to Trump Media & Technology Group, thanked the president and pledged to communicate the administration's accomplishments to Americans.

Long before joining Trump's administration, Zacharia gained experience in Washington during George W. Bush's presidency. A California native, she studied political science and government at Pepperdine University, graduating in 2007, before earning her law degree from Pepperdine's Caruso School of Law in 2011. During her studies, she interned in the Bush White House's Office of Political Affairs and also worked with the Republican National Committee. She later returned to Pepperdine as director of development for special projects from 2023 to 2025.

Zacharia's appointment is not her first government communications job. Earlier in 2026, she served as a spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. Her tenure was brief, but the role gave her experience communicating federal policy before she moved into a senior advisory position at Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social.

Zacharia has also built a public profile through conservative television commentary, appearing on Fox News and Newsmax to discuss political developments and Trump's policies. Beyond television, she served as general counsel for Fix California, a conservative organization associated with Trump ally Richard Grenell. Her background spans legal work, political advocacy and media communications, experience she now brings to the White House briefing operation.

Zacharia is married to film producer Tyler Zacharia, and the couple have four children. The two were photographed together at the Tennessee premiere of the animated biblical film David in December 2025, offering a glimpse of her life outside Washington. Her new position places her in a role previously held by Leavitt, who stepped down to spend more time with her young children. Zacharia now takes over the White House's principal spokesperson duties just weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, when administration messaging and relations with the press will be closely watched.