WASHINGTON — Katie Zacharia, a former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, will be the White House press secretary, President Trump announced, describing her as a “loyal and brilliant supporter.”
Zacharia is a longtime backer of Trump and a fixture on conservative media, particularly on Fox News. She’s also contributed op-eds to The Post.
Not well-known to the public, Trump noted her ties to his team in his announcement and her long career in Republican politics.
“She was previously involved in my Campaigns, assisting in key Swing States, where we won 7 out of 7,” Trump noted.
“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!,” the president said.
Zacharia works at Fix California, an organization founded by Trump special envoy Ric Grenell that is focused on advancing the conservative agenda in The Golden State. She also advises the Trump Media & Technology Group, which is the president’s social media company.
She will replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the job in August to spend more time with her family following the birth of her second child this past May 1.
Zacharia spent about three months at the Department of Homeland Security earlier this year, leaving the agency after Markwayne Mullin took over as secretary in March.
While at DHS, she was reported to be close to then-Secretary Kristi Noem and her special adviser Corey Lewandowski.
Zacharia’s appointment could upend the dynamics of Trump’s inner circle, due to Lewandowski and Grenell’s long-standing distaste for White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
But Trump said he was confident the 42-year-old would fit right in with his team.
“She has the respect of, and will work fantastically with, the Media, the American People, and my Administration,” he wrote in a Truth Social post, ending it with: “Good luck Katie.”
A mom of four, Zacharia blamed the long commute from California for her departure from DHS, telling Just the News it put a strain on her family.
The job of press secretary is one of the more visible positions in any White House, requiring regular on-camera briefings with reporters as well as standalone television news appearances.
Zacharia has a long background in Republican politics, having interned for the Republican National Committee while she was attending Pepperdine University and worked in the White House Office of Political Affairs during George W. Bush’s second term.
