Katie Zacharia holds first White House press briefing in Washington

Press secretary Katie Zacharia faced reporters in Washington on Tuesday morning during her first appearance. The session marked her debut as the top spokesperson three weeks before the midterm elections. Zacharia previously worked as a conservative commentator.

She succeeds Karoline Leavitt in the position. Leavitt departed the role earlier this year. She will join Fox News as a contributor in November.

Zacharia served as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security. She also advised Trump Media and Technology Group. That entity serves as the parent company of Truth Social.

President Donald Trump praised her on Truth Social on Friday.

“She was previously involved in my Campaigns, assisting in key Swing States, where we won 7 out of 7. She has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning,” Trump said.

Trump faces political pressure over the economy and the war in Iran. Pressure also surrounds his handling of political opponents. Federal agents conducted a raid Monday on the Washington home of Rep. Ilhan Omar.

The event marks a new chapter for media relations. Ongoing disputes over media access continue. Zacharia is the second press secretary in the second term. She is the sixth consecutive woman in the role.

Zacharia commented on her duties in a prior post on X.

“The work ahead is to continue delivering strong results for our Country and communicating to the American people the major wins that this Administration is making every single day,” Zacharia said.

A White House press secretary acts as the primary public voice for an administration. The spokesperson delivers official statements on policy and presidential actions. The role includes answering questions from the press corps during regular sessions in Washington.

Her appearance follows changes across the communications staff.