Katie Zacharias conservative reporter, elected by Donald Trump to be the next White House press secretary, replacing him Caroline Leavitt in the work. Multiple outlets reported the news on October 9, 2026.
Zacharia has extensive experience in conservative media and Republican politics. She was previously a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security and worked for Trump Media & Technology Group, which is the company behind Truth Social.
Here are five things you need to know about Zacharia, from her role to her selection as Trump’s new press secretary.
1. Katie Zacharia is a Conservative Reporter and Attorney
Zacharia is a lawyer, political strategist and conservative media commentator who has built her career across law, Republican politics and public affairs.
Her background in media and communications has helped establish her as a familiar voice in conservative circles. Zacharia has also publicly shown strong support for Trump and his policies, positioning herself as an ally of the president’s political agenda.
2. Katie Zacharia She previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security
Zacharia joined the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in February 2026, serving as spokesperson and assistant secretary for public affairs under then-Secretary. Kristi Noem.
Her time was short, however. She left the department in early April and returned to media and consultancy work. Zacharia’s experience at DHS gave her firsthand insight into the federal government’s communications operations and immigration policy debates.
3. Katie Zacharia worked with Trump Media and Technology Group
Before being selected as press secretary, Zacharia worked as a senior communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform.
4. Katie Zacharia graduated from Pepperdine University
Zacharia earned her undergraduate degree and law degree from Pepperdine University in California. While pursuing her education, she gained early experience in Republican politics and government, including internships with the Republican National Committee and the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Presidency. George W. Bushadministration.
She later worked in the legal field, including a stint in Beijing, China, before expanding her career into political advocacy, communications and media reporting.
5. Katie Zacharia is expected to replace Karoline Leavitt
Zacharia has reportedly been offered the position of White House press secretary, according to multiple outlets. However, it is not yet clear whether she has formally accepted the offer.
If she takes the job, Zacharia will succeed Leavitt, who left office at the end of August 2026. Leavitt was one of Trump’s most prominent public supporters, regularly defending the administration’s policies at White House press conferences.
As press secretary, Zacharia would become the president’s chief spokesman.