Trump announced Katie Zacharia for White House press secretary, with no start date reported.
Why it matters: Zacharia would become the administration's main liaison with news organizations if she formally takes the role. Reports describe her as affiliated with Trump Media & Technology Group, but do not establish her corporate title or employment arrangement.
- Trump announced Zacharia's appointment on October 9, 2026.
- Reports do not provide an effective date or confirm that Zacharia has formally begun the job.
- CNBC described Zacharia as a senior communications adviser affiliated with Trump Media & Technology Group.
- Karoline Leavitt announced her departure on August 12 and left the role on August 27, 2026.
Updated October 11, 2026. This report reflects information available in the cited reports through that date.
President Donald Trump announced Zacharia's appointment on October 9, 2026, calling her a "loyal and brilliant supporter" with an "unblemished record of support," according to The Associated Press. Axios also reported the announcement.
The reports do not establish that Zacharia has formally started the job or provide an effective date. They also do not establish whether Trump announced a completed personnel change or a planned transition.
CNBC described Zacharia as a senior communications adviser affiliated with Trump Media & Technology Group, the company that operates Truth Social. The cited reports do not provide a more precise corporate title, employment status or arrangement.
The reporting also describes Zacharia as a conservative commentator who has appeared on Fox News, CNN and Newsmax. She previously served as the Department of Homeland Security's deputy assistant secretary for public affairs and spokesperson, and announced her departure on March 31, 2026, according to AP.
"Serving President Trump and the American people at this critical 250-year mark is the honor of a lifetime," Zacharia said, according to AP's report on her statement. She said she looked forward to working with the White House press corps and reporters across the country.
Trump also said Zacharia assisted his 2024 campaign in key swing states. Leavitt announced her departure on August 12 and left the press secretary role on August 27, according to Axios.
The cited reports do not report Zacharia's post-announcement employment status with Trump Media or any related financial disclosures, ethics agreement or recusals.
By the numbers
- October 9, 2026 - Trump announced Zacharia's appointment.
- August 27, 2026 - Leavitt left the press secretary role.
- March 31, 2026 - Zacharia announced her departure from DHS.
Yes, but: The announcement does not establish a formal start date, an effective date or whether Zacharia has begun serving as press secretary.