JUST IN: Former DHS Spokesperson Offered White House Press Secretary Position

Breaking News: The new White House press secretary is the political commentator Katie Zacharia, according to people familiar with the matter. She will succeed Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in August. https://t.co/r8OlSmDQWb

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 9, 2026

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She would replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the job in August to spend more time with her family following the birth of her second child this past May 1.

Zacharia spent about three months at the Department of Homeland Security earlier this year, leaving the agency after Markwayne Mullin took over as secretary in March.

While at DHS, she was reported to be close to then-Secretary Kristi Noem and her special adviser Corey Lewandowski.

Zacharia’s appointment could upend the dynamics of Trump’s inner circle, due to Lewandowski and Grenell’s long-standing distaste for White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.

A mom of four, Zacharia blamed the long commute from California for her departure from DHS, telling Just the News it put a strain on her family.

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BREAKING: Katie Zacharia has been offered the White House press secretary role. It is not yet clear whether she has accepted the offer.@AmericaRpts @JacquiHeinrich pic.twitter.com/yEPhr5F0J3

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 9, 2026

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Zacharia is a conservative lawyer and commentator who works as a senior communications advisor at Trump Media & Technology Group, which oversees Truth Social.

She also spent about two months as the Department of Homeland Security’s deputy assistant secretary to Public Affairs and spokesperson.

Zacharia has worked as a commentator on Fox News, CNN, Newsmax One America News Now and other outlets.

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