Katie Zacharia Steps In as White House Press Secretary

Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, addressed reporters for the first time inside the James Brady Press Briefing Room on Tuesday. Her appearance was brief, lasting only 14 minutes, during which she fielded questions from select media outlets.

Zacharia, known for her work as a conservative commentator and her recent role at President Donald Trump’s social media company, took over from Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt left the White House in August to join Fox News Channel. Zacharia expressed her intent to ‘amplify’ President Trump’s initiatives, stating that he is ‘his own best spokesperson.’

During the briefing, Zacharia redirected reporters to the South Lawn, where they could question President Trump directly as he prepared to depart for Alaska. She emphasized Trump’s ongoing campaign efforts, mentioning his policies on energy, tariffs, and immigration. Her statement highlighted the president’s agenda ahead of the midterm elections.

President Trump, in appointing Zacharia, praised her as ‘a loyal and brilliant supporter.’ Zacharia, a Pepperdine University law graduate, previously served briefly as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security and contributed as a commentator for Fox News and Newsmax.

She remarked that as press secretary, her role remains consistent with her earlier advocacy for Trump. “I get to do what I was doing on the outside already, which was hoping to amplify, multiply, and expand upon President Trump’s incredible agenda for the American people,” she stated. She also shared her long-held ambition to work for President Trump.

The press briefing included a question from Breitbart News, an outlet that gained prominence during Trump’s tenure. Zacharia affirmed her commitment to maintaining a ‘new media’ rotation, aimed at incorporating diverse outlets into the White House briefings.

Zacharia also announced a significant development during her session. She confirmed that President Trump requested the resignation of Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece. This followed reports of alleged improper conduct during Guilfoyle’s tenure in Athens. “She has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well,” Zacharia commented.