Katie Zacharia appointed White House press secretary

President Donald Trump has appointed Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary, putting a current communications adviser to Trump Media and its Truth Social platform in one of the administration’s most public-facing jobs. For investors tracking Trump Media, the key link is that Zacharia has held the company and platform advisory role since June, according to her LinkedIn profile cited by Reuters and CNBC.

The appointment resolves an earlier report from CNBC that the White House had offered Zacharia the post, with her acceptance not yet clear at that time. Reuters later reported that Trump publicly announced her appointment, and Zacharia said she welcomed it.

Who is Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary?

Zacharia is an attorney and conservative media commentator who has made frequent appearances on Fox News and Newsmax, Reuters reported. Trump said in his announcement that she had been senior communications adviser to Truth Social, the social-media platform owned by Trump Media & Technology Group.

Her work history also includes a short stint at the Department of Homeland Security. CNBC reported, citing her LinkedIn page, that she finished a two-month role as a department spokeswoman in March. The BBC reported that she worked at DHS from February through March.

Reuters reported that Zacharia previously worked as a legal adviser for Fix California, a conservative organization founded by Trump administration official Richard Grenell. CNBC described her LinkedIn profile as listing her as the group’s general counsel. The BBC reported that she studied law at Pepperdine University.

Whom does Zacharia replace?

Zacharia succeeds Karoline Leavitt, who left the press secretary post in August, according to Reuters, CNBC and the BBC. The press secretary is the White House’s main public spokesperson and oversees responses to press inquiries, in addition to conducting briefings and advising the president on media matters, the BBC reported.

Trump praised Zacharia in his Truth Social announcement as a loyal and effective supporter and said he expected her to work well with the media, the public and his administration, Reuters reported. Those are Trump’s assessments of his appointee.

Zacharia said she looked forward to working with the White House press corps and reporters around the country to communicate the administration’s record, according to Reuters. The reports do not specify when she will begin the role or the terms of any departure from Trump Media.

Reuters reported Trump’s announcement and Zacharia’s response.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.