US President Donald Trump has appointed conservative political commentator Katie Zacharia as his next White House press secretary, placing another staunch supporter of his administration at the centre of his communications team.
Zacharia, who works for Trump Media & Technology Group, will become the sixth person to serve as the president's chief spokesperson across his two administrations.
She previously worked briefly at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Announcing the appointment on Truth Social on Friday, Trump praised Zacharia's loyalty and commitment to his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, describing her as a devoted supporter with an unblemished record of backing his political agenda.
Trump said Zacharia had previously assisted his campaigns in key swing states, claiming the team had won all seven states where she was involved.
He expressed confidence that she would work effectively with the media, the American public and his administration.
Zacharia welcomed the appointment in a post on X, describing the opportunity to serve Trump and the American people during the country's 250th anniversary period as an honour.
She also pledged to work with White House correspondents and journalists across the United States to communicate the administration's record.
The 42-year-old strategist has spent much of her career in conservative politics and media, frequently appearing on Fox News and Newsmax to defend Republican policies and Trump's leadership.
Her political experience includes an internship with the Republican National Committee and a stint at the White House Office of Political Affairs during President George W. Bush's administration in 2006.
She joined Trump's media company as a senior communications adviser in June and has also worked as a lawyer, including serving as general counsel for Fix California, a conservative organisation founded by Trump ally Ric Grenell.
Her brief spell at DHS lasted from February to March this year. She later said she left because frequent travel between California and Washington was placing pressure on her family.
Zacharia has also attracted attention for her outspoken defence of Trump's policies and the MAGA movement.
In an opinion article published in the New York Post, she criticised a request that she remove her MAGA hat at a local gym, arguing that political expression should not be restricted in such settings.
Her appointment comes after Karoline Leavitt left the press secretary position in August.
Leavitt, whom Trump previously described as one of his most trusted aides, has reportedly joined Fox News.
The White House press secretary is responsible for communicating presidential policies, responding to journalists' questions, coordinating messaging across government and managing the administration's relationship with the news media.
Political scientist Justin Buchler of Case Western Reserve University told the BBC that Trump's appointments during his second term have been shaped by personal connections and loyalty.
Meanwhile, University of Michigan professor Yanna Krupnikov said the appointment reflects the changing nature of political communication, with administrations increasingly seeking to reach the public directly through social media rather than relying solely on traditional news outlets.
Zacharia's appointment therefore signals the continued importance of political messaging and personal loyalty within Trump's communications operation as his administration prepares for the next phase of its second term.
