Trump Names Katie Zacharia White House Press Secretary as JD Vance Welcomes New Ally
Washington, D.C.—October 10, 2026—President Donald Trump has appointed Katie Zacharia, a California-based attorney, conservative media commentator, and senior communications adviser to Truth Social, as the new White House press secretary. Vice President JD Vance quickly welcomed her to the administration, signaling strong internal support for the selection.
In a post on X early Saturday, Vance wrote, “Congratulations and welcome to the team @KatieZacharia. Looking forward to your first briefing and working with you!” The message quoted the official White House announcement of her appointment.
Trump’s Announcement and Praise
Trump formally announced the appointment Friday on Truth Social, describing Zacharia as having “an unblemished record of support” and calling her “a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning” as well as “a devoted fan and member of MAGA.”
“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 posted.
He noted her work with Truth Social (Trump Media & Technology Group), her brief service as a spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, her involvement in his campaigns in key swing states, and her background as a Pepperdine University graduate and attorney.
Zacharia succeeds Karoline Leavitt, who departed the role in August 2026 after the birth of her second child. The position had remained vacant for weeks, with limited formal press briefings in the interim.
Who Is Katie Zacharia?
Born Katie Black on March 23, 1984, in Los Angeles, Zacharia, 42, is a mother of four and married to Tyler Zacharia since 2011. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in political science and her law degree from Pepperdine University.
Early in her career she interned with the Republican National Committee and worked in the White House Office of Political Affairs during the George W. Bush administration.
She later spent time in China as outside counsel for the World Bank Group and has served as general counsel for Fix California, a conservative advocacy group founded by Trump ally Ric Grenell.
In early 2026 she briefly held a senior public affairs role at the Department of Homeland Security under then-Secretary Kristi Noem before leaving due to the demands of commuting from California.
Since June she has worked as a senior communications adviser for Trump Media & Technology Group.
A frequent guest on Fox News, Newsmax, and other outlets, she has been a consistent public defender of the president’s policies.
Zacharia described the appointment as “the honor of a lifetime,” writing that serving the president and the American people “at this critical 250-year mark” was a profound responsibility.
Timing and Context
The appointment comes roughly one month before the 2026 midterm elections, placing Zacharia at the center of the White House’s public messaging operation during a high-stakes political period. Trump has praised her ability to work with the media while remaining a steadfast advocate for his agenda.
As the new face of the White House briefing room, Zacharia will be responsible for daily communications, defending administration policies, and managing relations with the press corps.
Her selection continues a pattern of the administration drawing talent from conservative media and Trump-aligned organizations.
Observers note that the role demands both loyalty and the ability to navigate intense media scrutiny. With Vice President Vance already publicly endorsing her arrival, Zacharia enters the position with visible backing from the top of the administration.
Further details on her official start date and first briefing schedule are expected in the coming days.
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