Trump says he picked ‘devoted fan’ Katie Zacharia to be next press secretary

What happened: Donald Trump announced Katie Zacharia as the next White House press secretary, replacing Karoline Leavitt, who left the role at the end of August after the birth of her second child. Key numbers: Leavitt left at the end of August; Zacharia earned her law degree from Pepperdine University in 2011; midterm elections are Why it matters: The appointment puts Zacharia at the center of White House messaging as Trump's approval rating falls to record lows and his party fights to keep Congress in the midterms. The pick surprised Washington after speculation favored Scott Jennings. Coverage: 15 outlets in 24h

Donald Trump announced Katie Zacharia as the next White House press secretary, replacing Karoline Leavitt, who left the role at the end of August after the birth of her second child.

The appointment puts Zacharia at the center of White House messaging as Trump's approval rating falls to record lows and his party fights to keep Congress in the midterms. The pick surprised Washington after speculation favored Scott Jennings.