Katie Zacharia Was Reportedly on DHS ‘Blacklist’: Trump’s New Press Secretary Feared Being Fired

Katie Zacharia’s appointment as White House press secretary has renewed scrutiny of her brief tenure at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where reports claimed she appeared on an alleged list of officials loyal to former Secretary Kristi Noem.

The Daily Beast alleged in March 2026 report that Zacharia was among officials who could face removal amid a shake-up following Noem’s departure. The reports also linked the controversy to Corey Lewandowski, Noem’s former adviser. Zacharia denied that her departure was connected to Lewandowski and cited the strain of traveling between California and Washington, D.C., as a major factor in her decision.

Trump’s Oct. 9 appointment of Zacharia as press secretary has revived questions about her DHS exit.

How Zacharia Was Linked to the Alleged DHS Blacklist

According to the Daily Mail, an unofficial list of approximately two dozen officials considered loyal to Noem reportedly circulated within DHS. The report said Zacharia’s name appeared on the list and that senior administration officials, including White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, had reportedly reviewed it.

Unnamed DHS sources reportedly characterized Zacharia as a “Corey person,” suggesting that her perceived association with Lewandowski could have made her vulnerable during the department’s leadership transition.

Zacharia joined DHS in February 2026 as deputy assistant secretary for public affairs. She announced her departure on March 31, after roughly six weeks in the role.

Zacharia Denies Report Linking Her Exit to Lewandowski

Zacharia said she intended to continue supporting Trump’s agenda in another capacity. In a March 31 post on X, she said she had joined DHS to support Trump’s policies, speak for Angel Families and advocate for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. She added that she looked forward to continuing that work “in other capacities.”

In an interview with Just the News published April 1, Zacharia denied the account linking her departure to Lewandowski. She said she first met Lewandowski, Noem and former DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin at a February meeting about a potential public-facing role in the administration.

Noem’s Departure Triggered a DHS Leadership Shake-Up

Zacharia’s departure came amid a DHS leadership shake-up. Trump removed Noem as homeland security secretary on March 5, and the Senate confirmed her successor, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), on March 24.

Lewandowski, Trump’s former 2016 campaign manager, had served as an unpaid adviser to Noem and was reported to have considerable influence within the department. DHS confirmed in late March that he had left his role there.

Noem and Lewandowski faced allegations of a romantic relationship, which they denied. During a March congressional hearing, Noem dismissed a lawmaker’s question about the claims as ‘tabloid garbage,’ Reuters reported.

Trump Names Zacharia as White House Press Secretary

Trump has now selected Zacharia as his next White House press secretary. She is set to succeed Karoline Leavitt, who left the role earlier in 2026.

Zacharia previously worked as a conservative commentator, appeared on Fox News and Newsmax, and served as a communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group.