US President Donald Trump has announced that conservative commentator Katie Zacharia will succeed Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, making her the sixth chief spokesperson across his two administrations.

Trump revealed the selection on Friday in a Truth Social post, calling the 42-year-old “loyal” and “a devoted fan and member of MAGA”. She is currently working for Trump Media and Technology Group, which operates the social media site.

From campaign operative to the podium

Zacharia has been a frequent commentator on conservative news outlets Newsmax and Fox News and an active figure in Republican politics. She began her career interning for the Republican National Committee and the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Bush administration in 2006.

Earlier this year she worked briefly as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security. Writing about Zacharia, Trump said: “She was previously involved in my campaigns, assisting in key swing states, where we won 7 out of 7.” He added that she would deliver strong results as press secretary and work well with the media, the American people and his administration.

Legal background

According to her LinkedIn profile, Zacharia holds a law degree from Pepperdine University in California. A BBC report said she has served as general counsel for Fix California, a conservative non-profit started by a Trump ally, and that she worked as a clerk at a law firm in Beijing for two years.

Thanking Trump on X, Zacharia called serving the president and the American people at the country’s “critical 250-year mark” the honour of a lifetime.

Leavitt heads to Fox News

Leavitt announced her departure on August 12 and left the press secretary post on August 27. From November 1, she is set to serve as an on-air contributor on Fox News Channel, the Associated Press reported.