Trump Names Former Media Adviser Katie Zacharia as New White House Press Secretary

Washington, Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
President Donald Trump has appointed Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary, with her official debut briefing scheduled for today, October 13, 2026. Zacharia, a 41-year-old attorney and former Trump Media communications adviser, steps into the role following the August departure of Karoline Leavitt. Her appointment comes as the administration seeks to overhaul its communications strategy just three weeks ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. However, her debut is already shadowed by intense scrutiny. Recent investigative reports uncovered controversial past social media posts in which she shared right-wing conspiracy theories, called for the suspension of habeas corpus, and warned of a potential midterm loss for Republicans. Zacharia now faces the challenge of reshaping the White House narrative, tackling public frustration over rising grocery and gas prices, and navigating a strained relationship between the administration and the press corps.