President Donald Trump named 41‑year‑old lawyer Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary on October 9, 2026, replacing Karoline Leavitt, who left the post in August after the birth of her second child.
ZACHARIA, who served as senior communications adviser for Trump Media and Technology Group and as spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security under Kristi Noem, will begin briefing the press on Monday, 12 October 2026, continuing the administration’s messaging strategy.
Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social, describing Zacharia as a loyal supporter, while Zacharia thanked him on X and praised Leavitt for setting a high standard. Conservative media outlets welcomed the appointment, noting her experience on Fox News and Newsmax, and the White House press corps is set to receive her first briefing on Monday, ensuring a seamless transition.