Trump's new press secretary faces first major test as White House briefing room enters new era

The White House is set to end a weeks-long stretch without a permanent press secretary at the podium Tuesday when Katie Zacharia makes her briefing room debut, succeeding Karoline Leavitt after a shake-up in President Donald Trump's communications team.

"I am pleased to announce that Katie Zacharia will be beginning her term as Press Secretary tomorrow, Columbus Day, and will be doing an introductory News Conference on Tuesday at 9:30 A.M. from the Press Briefing Room in the White House.

Katie has been with me, in spirit, from the very beginning, and will do a fantastic job!" Trump said on Truth Social Sunday.

Zacharia, an attorney and television commentator, served as senior communications adviser to Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates the president's social media platform, Truth Social.

Her appointment follows Leavitt's departure from the White House in August.

During his first administration, President Donald Trump had four White House press secretaries: Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders , Stephanie Grisham and Kayleigh McEnany.

TRUMP NAMES LEAVITT SUCCESSOR AFTER WEEKS OF SPECULATION — AND SHE'S NO STRANGER TO MAGA Leavitt served as the first press secretary of Trump’s second administration for 19 months before leaving the role on Aug.

27.

Zacharia previously served as deputy assistant secretary for public affairs and a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security .

She appeared on "Fox & Friends Weekend" on Saturday in her new role, touting President Donald Trump's newly announced deal with Russia to supply more than 1.8 million tons of diesel fuel to U.S. and global markets in a bid to lower fuel and grocery costs.

"President Trump has heard people have been frustrated with the gas prices.

People are frustrated with the increasing grocery prices.

And he is delivering what he always does, which are solutions," Zacharia said.

KATIE ZACHARIA HITS GROUND RUNNING, PROMISES TRUMP DIESEL DEAL DELIVERS CHEAPER GAS FOR AMERICANS She celebrated the appointment in a post on X Friday, thanking Trump for what she called the "distinguished privilege" of serving as White House press secretary.