There Have Been Major Personnel Changes In Trump's Team
- 10.10.2026, 8:46
Who took the top job at the White House before the election?
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the appointment of conservative columnist Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary. She will replace Caroline Livitt, who left the post at the end of August 2026 to spend more time with her family. The U.S. president announced the personnel decision on Friday, October 9, on his social media account Truth Social.
According to Donald Trump, Zacharia will take office during one of the most critical periods for the administration—on the eve of the midterm congressional elections. The new press secretary will have to interact with the media amid a complex political situation, with the White House’s activities under close scrutiny from both journalists and the opposition.
At the same time, the president described Zacharia as a devoted supporter of the MAGA movement and noted that she has an impeccable track record of support.
“She has an impeccable track record of support, and from the very beginning she has been a loyal and passionate supporter. Furthermore, she is a devoted supporter and member of MAGA!” the U.S. president wrote.
Katie Zacharia has already responded to her appointment on the social media platform X.
“Serving President Trump and the American people on this momentous 250th anniversary is the honor of a lifetime,” — she wrote.
Where Katie Zacharia previously worked
Zacharia’s career in American politics began back in 2006, according to The Washington Post. At that time, she was interning at the Republican National Committee during the presidency of George W. Bush.
Prior to her appointment as press secretary for the Donald Trump administration, Zacharia served as senior communications advisor at Trump Media & Technology Group. This company operates the Truth Social platform, which Trump actively uses to publish political statements and announcements.
In addition, in 2026, Zacharia briefly served as press secretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Katie Zacharia has also appeared as a political commentator on the American television networks Fox News and Newsmax, where she discussed the Trump administration’s activities and issues of U.S. domestic policy.
It is known that she earned her law degree from Pepperdine University in California and is the mother of four children.
Why the Position of White House Press Secretary Is Important
The position of White House press secretary has traditionally served as a key link between the president, government officials, and the American public, articulating the executive branch’s official stance on the most pressing domestic and foreign policy issues.
This role involves constant interaction with the media, particularly during crises, international negotiations, and the making of important political decisions.
Zacharia’s appointment came less than a month before the U.S. congressional midterm elections, scheduled for November 2026. During this period, the Trump administration must regularly explain its decisions and answer journalists’ questions about government policy.
At the same time, the new press secretary will have to work amid Trump’s tense relationship with parts of the American media. The president has repeatedly engaged in public disputes with journalists, and his administration has clashed with certain news organizations over their coverage of the White House.