Donald Trump on Friday announced that he had picked Katie Zacharia to be the next White House press secretary, lining up a conservative commentator he called a “devoted fan” to be his most prominent spokesperson.
Zacharia will replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the role at the end of August after the birth to her second child.
“It is my Great Honor to have just appointed, as Press Secretary, Katie Zacharia,” the president wrote in a social media post on Truth Social.
“She has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning. She is, likewise, a devoted fan and member of MAGA!” Trump added.
The New York Times was first to report that Zacharia has been selected for the role.
The Guardian has reached out to Zacharia for comment.
Zacharia’s selection puts her at the heart of the White House’s efforts to shape the public narrative around Trump’s second term, as his approval rating falls to record lows, and his party fights to maintain control of Congress in next month’s midterm elections. Trump has asked supporters to vote like his name is on the ballot, turning the election into a referendum on his presidency amid widespread economic discontent and an unpopular war with Iran.
Zacharia previously worked as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and now serves as a communications adviser for the Trump Media and Technology Group, which owns Truth Social, the president’s social network, on which he made the announcement about her selection official.
The appointment came as a something of a surprise in Washington, after weeks of building speculation about who the president might choose to replace Leavitt. Several reports suggested Scott Jennings, the conservative TV pundit was an “an early favorite” for the role, though skeptics noted that his past criticism of the president would likely be an issue.
Zacharia, a California native, has been involved in Republican politics for years.
She attended Pepperdine University and served as president of her school’s College Republican organization. She interned in the White House’s office of political affairs during the second Bush administration as well as at the Republican National Committee.
She obtained her law degree from Pepperdine University in 2011.
Prior to joining DHS, Zacharia worked as general counsel at Fix California, a conservative nonprofit focused on “election integrity”. The organization is headed up by Trump ally and diplomat Ric Grenell.
Zacharia was a frequent join Fox News commentator, often promoting or defending the US president’s policies while harshly criticizing Democrats.
She is married to film producer Tyler Zacharia. They have four children.
In his Truth Social post, Trump praised Leavitt, who he said had done a “fantastic job” in the role. On Monday, Fox News announced that Leavitt would join the network as an on-air contributor.
“I am confident that Katie will deliver strong results for our Country as the next White House Press Secretary, as she has the respect of, and will work fantastically with, the Media, the American People, and my Administration,” Trump wrote, adding: “Good luck Katie!”
