WASHINGTON -- President Trump has appointed Katie Zacharia, a conservative commentator, as the new White House press secretary.

Zacharia currently serves as a communications adviser to Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates the Truth Social platform where Trump frequently posts. She also worked briefly at the Department of Homeland Security earlier in Trump's second term. She has also appeared as a commentator on media outlets including CNN, Fox News and Newsmax.

Trump said in a Truth Social post that Zacharia, a California native, had also been involved in his previous campaigns. "She has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning," he wrote. "She is, likewise, a devoted fan and member of MAGA!"

Zacharia didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

She will succeed Karoline Leavitt, who was one of President Trump's closest advisers. Leavitt, who left the job over the summer, recently announced she would join Fox News as a contributor. Trump on Friday again praised Leavitt, saying she "did a fantastic job."

Trump has had an increasingly contentious relationship with White House reporters, and has attempted to bar some news organizations from the White House. His latest effort -- targeting CNN, Politico and MS NOW -- has been put on hold by a court for now while the outlets pursue a legal challenge.

The move to name a press secretary comes with just weeks to go until the November election, as Trump attempts to sell voters on his administration's accomplishments and convince them to turn out to support Republican candidates and keep his party in control of Congress.