Tuesday morning marks Katie Zacharia’s debut as White House press secretary, occurring merely three weeks ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. She takes over the role from Karoline Leavitt as President Donald Trump faces tough headwinds in the polls. The White House wants to sharpen its message to help Republican candidates keep their majorities in Congress.
Unlike her predecessor, Zacharia comes from a distinct background, having worked as a senior communications adviser for Trump Media Group. She spent time working in Beijing and previously held a role at the Department of Homeland Security. President Trump announced her appointment on Truth Social, saying she will do a fantastic job. He noted she has been with him in spirit from the very beginning.
White House communications director Steven Cheung praised the move, calling her a “fabulous and wonderful addition to the team.” Trump insiders say the president wanted to remake the messaging apparatus to focus more on TV appearances. One veteran GOP operative explained that “The president is his own best spokesman.” They added that Zacharia is the perfect fit to defend the administration from a hostile press.
During an October 10 appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend, before formally taking office, Zacharia defended Trump’s agreement to import more than 1.8 million tons of Russian diesel, arguing that it would help ease fuel and grocery costs. She said this move aims to lower costs for American families at the pump and the grocery store. “President Trump has heard people have been frustrated with the gas prices,” Zacharia said, according to Fox News. She added that he is delivering the solutions people need.
Zacharia told reporters she is ready to work hard during this critical time.
The timing is tight as polls suggest the president’s party could lose both the House and Senate. Zacharia said her main goal is to help the president win the upcoming November elections. “I’m here to serve him for the midterms. So it’s not about my priorities,” she said, according to the Washington Examiner. Her focus is on amplifying the president’s agenda and getting deals done for America.
She celebrated the appointment on X, calling it the “honor of a lifetime” to serve at this 250-year mark. Zacharia wrote that she looks forward to working with reporters to share the administration’s record. She also acknowledged the challenge of following Leavitt, who was known for being a formidable advocate on airwaves.
Zacharia is currently house hunting in Washington, D.C., to be closer to her new team. She will fly with Trump to Alaska for a campaign rally later this week. Her first briefing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
