Katie Zacharia ‘unrecognizable’ in resurfaced photo as ‘MAGA makeover’ claims emerge
Newly appointed press secretary Katie Zacharia stepped up to the podium in the White House briefing room on Tuesday to face the press for the first time. However, it wasn’t long before attention shifted from the briefing itself to something else entirely.
President Donald Trump’s new White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, held her first press briefing on Tuesday, but it was over in less than 15 minutes. During the unusually brief appearance, just three reporters were given the opportunity to ask questions.
While some argued that the new White House Press Secretary made a good first impression, others criticized Katie Zacharia on social media.
One viewer asked if it was a “hostage video,” while another said Zacharia “makes Karoline Leavitt seem like Winston Churchill.”
“It’s giving flight attendant doing the safety briefing for the first time,” another user on X wrote.
Someone else commented: “Her only qualifications were to be young blonde and white.”
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia
Others, however, came to her defense.
“Katie is a fabulous and wonderful addition to the team,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said.
“She is uniquely qualified and whip smart to help inform the American people about all the great things president Trump and his Administration have been doing, and she will do an incredible job as press secretary.”
Since the briefing, social media users have also been digging into Zacharia’s past, combing through her Instagram account for glimpses of her life before the White House. One post, shared in March 2013, shows Zacharia smiling at the camera. She would have been around 30 years old at the time.
What is a “MAGA Makeover”?
Many have since commented on how much her appearance has changed over the past 13 years. The conversation has also brought attention to what some online users call the “MAGA makeover” or “Mar-a-Lago face” – labels used to describe the beauty trends and cosmetic looks often seen among women close to Trump.
“It appears Ms. Katie has done the MAGA makeover,” one person commented on X, according to UNILAD.
While some have focused on the changes in her appearance, others have pointed out that looking different over time is simply a natural part of getting older.
“The one on the left is from 2013 lol… styles and looks change. I don’t look the same as I did in 2013,” one comment read.
Another said: “I also look different from 13 years ago! Everyone ages, let’s be nice!”
