Katie Zacharia is scheduled to hold her first White House press briefing today, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. ET in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. The appearance marks her formal debut at the podium after she began the job on Monday.
President Trump appointed her on October 9 to succeed Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in late August after the birth of her second child. In announcing the choice, Trump praised Zacharia as a “loyal and brilliant supporter” with an “unblemished record of support” and a “devoted fan and member of MAGA.”
Zacharia previously worked as a senior communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group (Truth Social). She also had a short stint earlier this year as a spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, a role she left after several weeks, citing the demands of travel between Washington and her home in Southern California. She has appeared frequently as a commentator on Fox News and Newsmax, served as general counsel for the conservative group Fix California, and holds degrees from Pepperdine University. She is married with four children.
The press secretary role involves regularly defending the administration’s policies and statements to the press corps. Trump has consistently emphasized loyalty when selecting people for visible communications positions, and multiple figures within his orbit have sought or held such roles. Zacharia’s first briefing comes weeks before the midterm elections, amid ongoing coverage of the economy, energy prices, and foreign policy.
Never miss a story.
Join our Telegram channel and get every article link the second it’s published.
Join Telegram Channel