Trump Praises 'Devoted Fan' Zacharia in White House Appointment

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday named conservative commentator and lawyer Katie Zacharia as his new White House press secretary, praising her longtime support and communications work.

The appointment, reported by AFP journalist Frankie Taggart, places Zacharia in one of the administration's most visible positions following the departure of Karoline Leavitt in August.

"She has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He described Zacharia as a "devoted fan and member of MAGA," referring to his Make America Great Again movement, and said he expected her to work well with the White House press corps.

"I am confident that Katie will deliver strong results for our Country as the next White House Press Secretary," Trump said.

Zacharia currently serves as a senior communications adviser to Trump Media and Technology Group, the company that operates Truth Social. Trump described her work there as "outstanding."

She has also appeared frequently as a conservative commentator on Fox News and Newsmax.

Earlier this year, Zacharia briefly served as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security under then-secretary Kristi Noem, leaving after around two months, according to her LinkedIn profile cited by AFP.

Zacharia, who lives in California, has also worked with Fix California, a conservative advocacy organization founded by longtime Trump ally Richard Grenell. CNBC reported that she serves as the group's general counsel.

A graduate of Pepperdine University's law school, she began working in Republican politics as an intern with the Republican National Committee in 2006, according to CNN.

Trump consulted several allies and advisers, including Leavitt, before deciding on Zacharia, CNN reported.

As White House press secretary, Zacharia will be responsible for briefing journalists, responding to questions about administration policy and serving as one of Trump's principal public spokespeople.

Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history when she took the position at age 27 after Trump returned to office in January 2025.

A former spokesperson for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, she left the administration in late August following the birth of her second child.

Trump praised Leavitt for doing a "fantastic job."

Fox News announced this week that she will join the network as an on-air contributor beginning in November.