Commentator Katie Zacharia picked as new White House press secretary

October 9, 2026

President Donald Trump has appointed Katie Zacharia, a conservative political commentator, as his sixth White House press secretary across both his administrations. The 42-year-old currently works for Trump Media & Technology Group and previously held a brief position at the Department of Homeland Security earlier in 2026. Trump praised her loyalty to his Make America Great Again movement and her campaign work in swing states.

Who is affected

Katie Zacharia (appointed as new White House press secretary)
Donald Trump (making the appointment)
Karoline Leavitt (former press secretary who left for Fox News)
Trump Media & Technology Group (Zacharia's current employer)
The White House press corps and reporters across the country
Zacharia's family (mother of four)

What action is being taken

Katie Zacharia is being appointed/chosen as the next White House press secretary
Zacharia currently works for Trump Media & Technology Group as a senior communications adviser

Why it matters

This appointment is significant because the press secretary role extends beyond public briefings to include managing relationships with the press, coordinating within the White House, and advising the president on media matters. The selection reflects Trump's prioritization of personal loyalty and allegiance to his MAGA movement over other qualifications. Additionally, the appointment represents a blurring of lines between different media types, as politicians must now communicate across various platforms and outlets beyond traditional news media.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC