News · United States

Trump Appoints Katie Zacharia as White House Press Secretary, Replacing Karoline Leavitt

The President's choice brings a loyal Truth Social veteran into the highest communications role at the White House just weeks before midterm elections.

Trump Appoints Katie Zacharia as White House Press Secretary, Replacing Karoline Leavitt
Author
Democracy News Live Desk
Date
10 Oct 2026
Read
5 min

On Friday, President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social network to announce a significant personnel shift within the executive branch. He declared that Katie Zacharia will serve as the next White House press secretary, officially replacing Karoline Leavitt. In a post on his platform, Trump described the appointment as a 'great honor,' characterizing Zacharia as a 'loyal and brilliant supporter' who is also a member of the Make America Great Again movement. This announcement marks a transition in how the administration communicates with the public, occurring against a backdrop of political challenges and upcoming national elections.

Coverage
A New Voice for the Administration

Zacharia, 42, hails from California and brings a specific set of communications credentials to the role. She previously served as Senior Communications Advisor to Truth Social, the media company owned by Trump Media & Technology Group. Her background includes tenure as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, where she managed public affairs operations. Additionally, she holds a law degree from Pepperdine University and the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. While she did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding her acceptance, her previous work involved assisting in key swing states during campaigns, where reports indicate the team won seven out of seven contests. This campaign track record suggests a focus on direct voter engagement rather than solely internal policy management.

The Departure of the Predecessor

Karoline Leavitt, who held the position for over 18 months, announced in August that she would resign to spend more time with her family. Her departure was noted by Trump as a decision to prioritize family, though her tenure was marked by a combative approach to questions from the White House press corps. During her time in office, Leavitt faced criticism for calling a White House reporter a 'left-wing hack' following an incident involving the fatal US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shooting of American citizen Renee Good in Minneapolis. She also defended the President's handling of sensitive matters including the Epstein files and the Iran war. Following her resignation, Fox News announced earlier this week that Leavitt will provide commentary starting November 1, signaling a continued presence in the media landscape despite leaving the White House staff.

She aims to get that record out, referring to the administration's major wins made every single day.

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Katie Zacharia Offered White House Press Secretary Position https://t.co/GKKPjF7BjV

12:07 AM · 10 Oct 2026
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Loyalty and Leadership Style

In contrast to the combative tone associated with Leavitt, Zacharia emphasized loyalty and support in her own social media post. She thanked Trump, stating 'his leadership is a blessing to this country.' She expressed her commitment to delivering strong results and communicating the administration's achievements to the American people. Zacharia praised her predecessor Leavitt as 'fabulous' and noted she set a 'high standard.' This praise highlights a desire to maintain continuity while shifting the tone of communication. Trump highlighted Zacharia's unblemished record of support, noting she has been a loyal and brilliant supporter right from the beginning. He expressed confidence that she will deliver strong results for our Country as the next White House Press Secretary.

Political Context and Stakes

This appointment comes at a critical juncture for the administration. Trump faces low approval ratings due to high energy prices amid the Iran war. With the upcoming midterm elections on November 3, Democrats are expected to make significant gains. Zacharia's role is crucial in navigating these challenges. She aims to get that record out, referring to the administration's major wins made every single day. The timing of the appointment underscores the importance of messaging ahead of the congressional midterms. Zacharia's involvement in key swing states during past campaigns positions her to understand the electoral dynamics better than many career officials.

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BREAKING. 🚨 According to a new report, Katie Zacharia has been offered the position of White House Press Secretary under President Trump. Zacharia previously served as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security. 🇺🇸 (An official announcement from the White House is still pending.) What do you think? ❓❓❓ Will she be a good press secretary?

10:32 PM · 09 Oct 2026
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A Transition Period

As Zacharia prepares to take the helm, the transition involves managing expectations and setting the stage for future interactions with the press corps. Trump noted that Zacharia has the respect of, and will work fantastically with, the Media, the American People, and my Administration. The change represents a shift from the independent voice of Leavitt to a figure deeply embedded in the President's inner circle and media ecosystem. As the election cycle intensifies, the White House press secretary becomes a central figure in shaping public perception. Zacharia's background in law and communications suggests a strategic approach to these responsibilities.

Looking Ahead

The immediate future involves Zacharia working alongside reporters across the country to communicate the administration's record. The role requires balancing the demands of the press with the need to project strength amidst economic and foreign policy pressures. Trump's selection process appears focused on finding someone aligned with the MAGA movement who can effectively represent the administration's goals. The appointment signals a consolidation of power and messaging under one individual who has demonstrated long-term dedication to the campaign's success.

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Katie Zacharia Offered White House Press Secretary Position https://t.co/2vhcyJmaa4 via @BreitbartNews

10:57 PM · 09 Oct 2026
00021
Key Facts

Appointee: Katie Zacharia, 42 years old. Role: White House Press Secretary. Predecessor: Karoline Leavitt, departed at the end of August. Previous Roles: Senior Communications Advisor to Truth Social; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS. Education: Pepperdine University, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. Campaign Record: Assisted in key Swing States, won 7 out of 7. Upcoming Election: Midterm elections on November 3. Leavitt Commentary: Announced by Fox News starting November 1. Trump Quote: 'It is my Great Honor to have just appointed, as Press Secretary, Katie Zacharia.'

Pull Quote

"His leadership is a blessing to this country," said Katie Zacharia, expressing her commitment to delivering strong results for the nation.

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