It’s been weeks since President Trump has had a press secretary, ever since Karoline Leavitt, who served in that role since Jan. 20, 2025, stepped down in August.
According to several media accounts Friday, Trump has chosen Katie Zacharia for the job, though an official White House announcement has yet to be made.
Zacharia is a former spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
A frequent guest on Fox News, Zacharia is currently at Fix California, an organization founded by Trump special envoy Ric Grenell that is focused on advancing the conservative agenda in that state, the New York Post reported.
Zacharia spent about three months at the Department of Homeland Security in early 2026, leaving the agency after Markwayne Mullin took over as secretary.
Zacharia, the mother of four, blamed the long commute from California for her departure from DHS, telling Just the News it put a strain on her family. She has a long history of involvement in Republican politics.
Update: Later Friday Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
“It is my Great Honor to have just appointed, as Press Secretary, Katie Zacharia. Katie currently serves as Senior Communications Advisor to Truth Social (Trump Media & Technology Group), where she has been outstanding! A native of California, Katie previously served as Spokesperson and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. Katie is a distinguished Graduate of Pepperdine University, and the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, an attorney, and a frequent Commentator on outlets, including Fox News and Newsmax. She was previously involved in my Campaigns, assisting in key Swing States, where we won 7 out of 7. 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! 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. Katie is replacing the fabulous Karoline Leavitt, who did a fantastic job as Press Secretary. Good luck Katie! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
