Katie Zacharia appointed White House press secretary

US President Donald Trump appointed conservative commentator and lawyer Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary on Friday, filling one of the White House's most visible roles.

Trump announced the appointment on Truth Social, praising Zacharia as a loyal supporter with an “unblemished record of support” and calling her a “devoted fan and member of MAGA.” Zacharia later thanked Trump on X for what she called the “distinguished privilege of serving as White House Press Secretary.”

Zacharia will succeed Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down in August after serving as a prominent public face of Trump's second administration. Fox News announced this week that Leavitt would join the conservative network as an on-air contributor in November.

Zacharia is a senior communications adviser to Trump Media and Technology Group, which operates Truth Social. She previously worked briefly as a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security under then-secretary Kristi Noem, according to her LinkedIn profile.

AFP reported that Zacharia has been a frequent commentator on conservative television networks including Fox News and Newsmax. CNBC reported that she serves as general counsel for Fix California, a conservative advocacy group founded by Trump ally Richard Grenell. CNN reported that Trump sought advice from allies and advisers, including Leavitt, before offering Zacharia the job.