Full Breakdown
Donald Trump Names Katie Zacharia White House Press Secretary
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Appointment
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Katie Zacharia will assume the role of White House press secretary, succeeding Karoline Leavitt, who left in August. Zacharia is slated to hold an introductory news conference on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the White House Press Briefing Room.
Background & Context
The post has been vacant since Leavitt’s departure after the birth of her second child. Leavitt, a longtime Trump ally, is moving to a role as an on-air contributor for Fox News. Trump has said his administration’s messaging is “extremely poor” ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Figures & Groups
- Katie Zacharia – Conservative commentator, senior communications adviser to Trump Media & Technology Group, former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson.
- Donald Trump – President of the United States.
- Karoline Leavitt – Former White House press secretary, now joining Fox News.
- Trump Media & Technology Group – Owner of the Truth Social platform; Zacharia’s current employer.
Data & Statistics
- Trump credited Zacharia with helping his campaigns win “7 out of 7” key swing states.
- Zacharia becomes the second press secretary in Trump’s second term and the sixth consecutive woman to hold the position.
Why It Matters
The appointment comes as Trump intensifies efforts to control media access. A federal judge recently extended a block on the administration’s order that barred several news outlets from the White House, underscoring the new press secretary’s role in navigating strained media relations ahead of the midterms.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump praised Zacharia as a “loyal and brilliant supporter” who has been with him “in spirit from the beginning.”
Leavitt’s departure was framed as a personal decision to focus on family.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am pleased to announce that Katie Zacharia will be beginning her term as Press Secretary tomorrow, Columbus Day, and will be doing an introductory News Conference on Tuesday at 9:30 A.M. from the Press Briefing Room in the White House. Katie has been with me, in spirit, from the very beginning, and will do a fantastic job!” — Donald Trump
- “The work ahead is to continue delivering strong results for our Country and communicating to the American people the major wins that this Administration is making every single day,” — Katie Zacharia
What's Next
Zacharia’s first press briefing is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the White House Press Briefing Room. The administration indicated she will lead communications strategy through the remainder of the term and into the upcoming midterm election cycle.