Katie Zacharia, a conservative commentator currently working as a communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group, has been tapped as the next White House press secretary, filling a post left empty since Karoline Leavitt departed in August.
Key facts
- Katie Zacharia has been selected as the next White House press secretary.
- She currently works as a communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group.
- President Donald Trump called her 'a devoted fan'.
- The role has been vacant since former press secretary Karoline Leavitt left in August.
- A White House official confirmed the appointment to CNBC.
The White House has tapped conservative commentator Katie Zacharia to serve as its next press secretary, a White House official confirmed to CNBC. The appointment fills a post that has been vacant for roughly two months.
Zacharia currently works as a communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group, according to the BBC. Her move to the White House briefing room marks a shift from the company’s communications operation into one of the most visible government roles.
President Donald Trump described Zacharia as ‘a devoted fan,’ according to Al Jazeera, which also reported that she had been ‘offered’ the position.
The press secretary role has been empty since former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt left the job in August, Al Jazeera reported. Zacharia’s selection brings a new face to the podium that serves as the administration’s primary point of contact with the press.
As press secretary, Zacharia would be responsible for communicating the administration’s positions to reporters and the public, a position that carries high visibility and frequent scrutiny.
The sources available confirm the selection and Zacharia’s current role but do not detail a start date or further biographical specifics about her appointment.
Why it matters
The White House press secretary is the administration's most public spokesperson and shapes how government policy is communicated to the nation. Filling a role that has been vacant since August signals the administration's effort to restore a central point of contact with the media.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Katie Zacharia?
Katie Zacharia is a conservative commentator who currently works as a communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group, according to the BBC.
Why was the press secretary role vacant?
The position has been vacant since former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt left the job in August, according to Al Jazeera.
What did President Trump say about the pick?
President Donald Trump called Katie Zacharia 'a devoted fan,' according to Al Jazeera.