Katie Zacharia, President Donald Trump’s choice to replace former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, held her first press briefing Tuesday morning.
The briefing lasted just 15 minutes, including roughly eight minutes of opening remarks in which Zacharia reiterated the administration’s talking points on the economy and touted the president’s “historic” rallies across the country ahead of the midterm elections.
“Everyday Americans are showing up in droves to attend these rallies because of President Trump’s America First agenda of lower taxes, higher wages, and one of my favorites, secure borders,” Zacharia said.
When asked about her approach to the new position, Zacharia described it as an extension of the work she had already been doing.
“I get to do what I was doing on the outside already, which was hoping to amplify, multiply, and expand upon President Trump’s incredible agenda for the American people, and what I hope to do in this position is to take that into an official capacity,” she said.
Before joining the White House, Zacharia served as a senior communications adviser for Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social. She previously worked as a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, a legal adviser for conservative advocacy group Fix California and a political commentator on Fox News and Newsmax, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Zacharia fielded a handful of questions, most concerning her appointment, with two addressing administration policy or decisions. When asked whether the U.S. had stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine, Zacharia said she would have to follow up with reporters.
She also said Trump has asked Greece Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign. Guilfoyle has come under scrutiny over allegations of financial impropriety, misuse of her diplomatic position, and inappropriate conduct while serving as ambassador to Greece.
“We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign. She has been a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well,” Zacharia said.
Zacharia ended the briefing by telling reporters that Trump was preparing to depart for Alaska aboard Marine One and would be available to answer additional questions outside.
Zacharia’s predecessor, Leavitt, stepped down in August after roughly 19 months as White House press secretary, citing a desire to spend more time with her family following the birth of her second child. Leavitt has since accepted a position as an on-air contributor for Fox News, beginning Nov. 1.
