New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia faces reporters for the first time Tuesday, October 13, following President Donald Trump’s decision to appoint her as Karoline Leavitt’s successor.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Katie Zacharia made her first appearance at the White House press briefing podium Tuesday, October 13, formally beginning her public-facing responsibilities as President Donald Trump’s new chief spokesperson. The briefing marked a transition in the administration’s communications operation following the departure of former press secretary Karoline Leavitt in August.
The inaugural White House press briefing was held at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, where Zacharia took questions from members of the White House press corps.
Trump announced Zacharia’s appointment Friday, October 9, selecting the conservative commentator and former communications adviser to Trump Media & Technology Group to represent his administration before the national media. Zacharia officially began her new position Monday, making Tuesday’s briefing her first opportunity to address reporters in the role.
Before joining the White House, Zacharia served as a communications adviser for the company behind Trump’s Truth Social platform. She also briefly worked as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security and appeared as a political commentator on Fox News and Newsmax.
Zacharia, 41, is a California native and mother of four who attended Pepperdine University’s law school. Her appointment followed Trump’s public praise of her loyalty and support for his administration.
Leavitt left the White House on August 27 after serving as press secretary since the beginning of Trump’s second term in January 2025. She was the youngest person to hold the position, assuming the role at age 27. Her departure came after the birth of her second child, and she is scheduled to begin a new position with Fox News in November.
Zacharia assumes her responsibilities as the administration faces continuing questions about economic conditions, foreign policy, immigration enforcement and other federal priorities. Her appointment also comes three weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, when control of Congress will be determined.
The White House press secretary serves as the administration’s principal spokesperson, communicating presidential policies, responding to reporters and explaining official government positions. The position also requires coordinating public messaging across the executive branch and addressing questions about the president’s decisions.
Tuesday’s briefing provided the first opportunity for journalists to question Zacharia directly in her new capacity as she begins representing the Trump administration before the White House press corps.
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