Is Katie Zacharia the new White House Press Secretary? What to know about Karoline Leavitt’s potential successor

The White House has offered Katie Zacharia, a conservative commentator and former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson, the position of press secretary. However it is not confirm whether she had accepted the offer.

Zacharia would replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in August to spend more time with her family following the birth of her second child on May 1.

Who Is Katie Zacharia

Zacharia is a conservative commentator who has appeared on Fox News. She previously worked as a spokesperson for DHS and has a background in Republican politics.


The New York Post reported that Zacharia is currently working with Fix California, a conservative organization founded by Trump special envoy Ric Grenell.

NBC News describes her as a communications adviser to Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social.

Zacharia’s Previous Role at DHS

Zacharia spent approximately three months at the Department of Homeland Security earlier in 2026, leaving after Markwayne Mullin took over as secretary in March.

According to The New York Post report, she was close to then-Secretary Kristi Noem and special adviser Corey Lewandowski during her time at the department.

Zacharia also cited the long commute from California as a reason for leaving DHS. She had previously told Just the News that the commute had put a strain on her family. She is a mother of four.

Her Background in Republican Politics

Zacharia interned for the Republican National Committee while attending Pepperdine University, she also worked in the White House Office of Political Affairs during former President George W Bush’s second term, The New York Post reported.

What the Press Secretary Role Involves

As per The New York Post, the press secretary position involves regular on-camera briefings with reporters and television news appearances.

The White House’s offer to Zacharia follows Leavitt’s departure from the position in August. The report did not establish whether Zacharia had accepted the job.

Karoline Leavitt Joins Fox News After Leaving White House

Karoline Leavitt is moving to Fox News after stepping down as White House press secretary in August. Fox News announced that Leavitt would join the network as a contributor and her new role set to begin on November 1.

She will provide commentary across Fox News programs, drawing on her experience working in the Trump administration and on the president’s campaign trail.

Leavitt said she was looking forward to sharing her perspective with Fox News viewers. She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the network’s team, pointing to her experience as press secretary and the energy and candor she brought to the role.