White House's New Press Secretary Faces Controversial Past

WHO:

CNN - Zacharia accused the Justice Department of covering up for individuals implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in a now-deleted tweet.

Alternet - Katie Zacharia described herself as a lawyer on The Greg Kelly Show on October 5, stating, “I'm a lawyer.”

Alternet - Zacharia claimed in an August podcast interview, "I'm a lawyer, I went to Pepperdine, Pepperdine Law."

Alternet - Trump chose Katie Zacharia as press secretary without consulting White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.

NY Post - Katie Zacharia is the new White House press secretary.

CNN - President Trump is the current president of the United States.

WHAT:

CNN - Zacharia expressed frustration with the direction of Trump’s second administration, warning that the GOP could face devastating losses in the 2026 midterm elections if they didn’t shift course.

CNN - Zacharia promoted a post claiming that comedian Joan Rivers died mysteriously after making comments about Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

CNN - Zacharia suggested in a series of now-deleted posts that the administration should suspend habeas corpus for migrants, citing the Constitution’s exception for cases of rebellion or invasion.

CNN - Zacharia amplified an accusation that the Trump administration’s Justice Department was covering up for people involved in Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse of minors.

CNN - Zacharia reposted a baseless claim from Ali Alexander that “Democrats want to mask and rape your children. That’s their satanic platform.”

CNN - Zacharia reposted a September 2022 post that compared then-President Joe Biden and anti-fascist protesters to Nazis, using the hashtags “#Antifa,” “#PedoHitler” and “#WrongSideOfHistory.”

CNN - Zacharia's posts on Truth Social remain publicly available on her account.

CNN - Zacharia's inflammatory social media posts date back to 2022.

CNN - Zacharia's posts advocating for hardline immigration policies were made in June 2025.

CNN - Zacharia expressed concerns about the GOP's future in a tweet regarding the 2026 midterm elections.

Alternet - An investigation found no record of Zacharia ever being licensed to practice law in the U.S., which could be a criminal issue in California.

Alternet - Zacharia's LinkedIn profile states she was the General Counsel for Fix California from January 2024 to March 2025.

WTNH - Katie Zacharia will hold her first media briefing on Tuesday morning, just three weeks before the midterm elections.

Fox News - Zacharia's first press briefing is set to take place on Tuesday, marking the end of a weeks-long period without a permanent press secretary at the podium.

Alternet - Zacharia's first briefing started about 15 minutes late, originally scheduled for 9:30 a.m.

Alternet - During her first briefing, Zacharia claimed that the Ohio arena was "overflowing" with enthusiasm and described it as a "blockbuster rally" with "thousands" of supporters, despite reports showing large sections of empty seats.

Alternet - The briefing lasted under 15 minutes, during which Zacharia faced tough questions about the firing of Kimberly Guilfoyle and the U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine, to which she had no response.

CNN - Zacharia repeatedly made baseless accusations of pedophilia against prominent Democrats and shared conspiracy-related content, including claims that echoed the debunked “Pizzagate” theory and that Hollywood elites were pedophilic cannibals.

CNN - Zacharia suggested in a series of now-deleted posts from June 2025 that the administration should suspend habeas corpus for migrants.

CNN - Zacharia warned Republicans of a potential midterm “bloodbath” in a now-deleted tweet.

CNN - Zacharia accused the Justice Department of covering up for people implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in a now-deleted tweet.

CNN - Zacharia promoted a post claiming that comedian Joan Rivers died mysteriously after making comments about Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

CNN - Zacharia amplified an accusation that the Trump administration’s Justice Department was covering up for people involved in Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse of minors.

CNN - Zacharia reposted a baseless claim from Ali Alexander that “Democrats want to mask and rape your children. That’s their satanic platform.”

CNN - Zacharia's posts on Truth Social remain publicly available on her account.

Alternet - Trump made the decision to appoint Zacharia in about 72 hours after observing her performance on Fox News.

Alternet - Trump personally called Zacharia to offer her the position, which she accepted immediately.

Fox News - Katie Zacharia makes her White House press briefing room debut Tuesday, ending a weeks-long stretch without a permanent press secretary at the podium.

CNN - Zacharia stated, “I am grateful to serve President Trump as Press Secretary, and I will diligently and effectively amplify his successful agenda.”

CNN - Steven Cheung, White House communications director, described Zacharia as “a fabulous and wonderful addition to the team” and stated she is “uniquely qualified and whip smart to help inform the American people about all the great things President Trump and his Administration have been doing.”

NY Post - Zacharia is scheduled to deliver her first White House press briefing on Tuesday.

CNN - Zacharia made baseless accusations of pedophilia against prominent Democrats and shared conspiracy-related content on social media.

CNN - Zacharia advocated for suspending habeas corpus for migrants in a series of now-deleted posts from June 2025.

CNN - Zacharia warned of a potential midterm “bloodbath” for Republicans in a now-deleted tweet.

CNN - Zacharia accused the Justice Department of covering up for individuals implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

CNN - Zacharia promoted a post claiming that comedian Joan Rivers died mysteriously after making comments about Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

WHERE:

CNN - Zacharia's posts included accusations against political figures and Hollywood elites, with references to locations like Comet Ping Pong in Washington, DC.

WHEN:

CNN - Zacharia's inflammatory social media posts date back to 2022.

CNN - Zacharia's posts advocating for hardline immigration policies were made in June 2025.

CNN - Zacharia expressed concerns about the GOP's future in a tweet regarding the 2026 midterm elections.

WHY:

Alternet - An administration source stated that Wiles wanted someone loyal to her, while Trump preferred an aide loyal to him.

CNN - Zacharia's social media activity reflects her hardline views and criticism of the Trump administration's direction.

HOW:

CNN - Zacharia's posts on Truth Social, where she worked as communications adviser, remain publicly available on her account.

Alternet - An investigation found no record of Zacharia ever being licensed to practice law in the U.S., which could be a criminal issue in California.

Alternet - Zacharia's LinkedIn profile states she was the General Counsel for Fix California from January 2024 to March 2025.

Alternet - Under California Business and Professions Code § 6126, a person who is not licensed to practice law commits a misdemeanor if they advertise themselves as entitled to practice law.

Alternet - Zacharia previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security, where she was recruited by Corey Lewandowski but left after six weeks due to internal tensions.

CNN - Zacharia's posts on Truth Social, where she worked as communications adviser, remain publicly available on her account.

CNN - Zacharia used social media platforms, including Truth Social, to share her views and accusations.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 01:20 UTC)

Zacharia has accused the Justice Department of covering up for individuals involved in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in a now-deleted tweet. She also expressed her frustration with the direction of Trump’s second administration, warning that the GOP could face devastating losses in the 2026 midterm elections if they don’t change course. Additionally, Zacharia promoted a post suggesting that comedian Joan Rivers died mysteriously after making comments about Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, with her posts still publicly available on her Truth Social account.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 22:59 UTC)

Zacharia has stirred controversy with a series of now-deleted posts suggesting that the administration should suspend habeas corpus for migrants, while also expressing frustration about the direction of Trump’s second administration and warning of potential losses for the GOP in the upcoming midterm elections. An investigation revealed that she has never been licensed to practice law in the U.S., which could lead to legal issues under California law if she continues to present herself as an attorney. Despite the backlash, her inflammatory posts, which date back to 2022, remain publicly accessible on her Truth Social account.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 17:05 UTC)

An investigation has revealed that Katie Zacharia, who described herself as a lawyer on The Greg Kelly Show and claimed to have attended Pepperdine Law, has no record of being licensed to practice law in the U.S., which could lead to criminal charges in California. Her LinkedIn profile indicates she served as General Counsel for Fix California from January 2024 to March 2025. Under California law, advertising oneself as entitled to practice law without a license is considered a misdemeanor.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 15:05 UTC)

Katie Zacharia held her first media briefing on Tuesday morning, just three weeks before the midterm elections, marking the end of a weeks-long period without a permanent press secretary. The briefing started about 15 minutes late and lasted under 15 minutes, during which Zacharia faced tough questions about the firing of Kimberly Guilfoyle and U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine, but she had no response to those inquiries. Despite her claims that the Ohio arena was "overflowing" with enthusiasm and described it as a "blockbuster rally" with "thousands" of supporters, reports indicated large sections of empty seats.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 14:07 UTC)

Zacharia has been in the spotlight for making baseless accusations of pedophilia against prominent Democrats and sharing conspiracy theories, including claims related to the debunked “Pizzagate” theory. She has also expressed frustration with the direction of Trump’s second administration, warning that the GOP could face significant losses in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections if they don't change course. While many of her controversial posts have been deleted, her statements on Truth Social remain publicly accessible.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 13:15 UTC)

Trump has appointed Katie Zacharia as his new press secretary, making the decision without consulting White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. He observed her performance on Fox News and personally called her to offer the position, which she accepted right away. Zacharia, who previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security, was recruited by Corey Lewandowski but left after just six weeks due to internal tensions.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 11:02 UTC)

Katie Zacharia is set to make her debut in the White House press briefing room on Tuesday, marking the end of a weeks-long period without a permanent press secretary. This much-anticipated appearance comes as the administration looks to reestablish communication with the media. Zacharia's arrival is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the daily briefings.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 02:21 UTC)

Zacharia has expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve President Trump as Press Secretary, emphasizing her commitment to effectively promote his successful agenda. White House communications director Steven Cheung praised her as a fabulous addition to the team, highlighting her unique qualifications and intelligence in informing the public about the accomplishments of Trump and his administration. Additionally, her previous posts on Truth Social, where she served as a communications adviser, are still accessible on her account.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 01:36 UTC)

Katie Zacharia has been appointed as the new White House press secretary and is set to deliver her first press briefing on Tuesday. Her past social media activity includes making unfounded accusations against prominent Democrats and advocating for controversial immigration policies, with some posts dating back to 2022 and others from June 2025. Zacharia's posts have sparked attention for their inflammatory nature, reflecting her hardline views and criticism of the Trump administration's direction.