Trump’s new spokeswoman is a ‘devoted fan’ who lived in Beijing and speaks Chinese

Before she addresses the world from behind the White House briefing room podium this week, 42-year-old Katie Zacharia has a story that stretches far beyond Washington’s power corridors.

Years before US President Donald Trump appointed her as his new press secretary, she lived in Beijing, worked at one of China’s leading law firms, and learned enough Chinese to occasionally surprise people.

Her reported experience in China spans international law and a communications role with a non-profit organisation focused on the children of migrant workers, alongside her later career in conservative politics in the US.

She also served briefly earlier this year as spokeswoman and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. Most recently, she served as senior communications adviser to Truth Social, owned by the Trump Media & Technology Group.