
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is shaking up the White House press corps by inviting a wave of independent journalists, podcasters, and online content creators to participate in briefings, bypassing the influence of legacy media. Since her announcement, more than 7,000 applications for press credentials have flooded in, signaling a major shift in how the Trump administration communicates with the public.
Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in U.S. history, made it clear in her first briefing that traditional media outlets will no longer dominate White House press interactions. “We welcome independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers, and content creators to apply for credentials,” she said, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to reaching audiences beyond mainstream news.
An open and transparent administration! Trump opens the press briefing room to new news media outlets and will reinstate access to those media outlets who have had their access revoked by the previous communist Democratic Party administration! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2HJiQeK86A
— Bella (@bellausa17) January 28, 2025
In addition to reinstating press passes revoked under the previous administration, Leavitt introduced a new front-row “New Media Seat” in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. This seat will be occupied by alternative media figures who secure credentials to cover the White House. During her first briefing, she broke precedent by giving the first questions to Breitbart’s Matt Boyle and Axios’ Mike Allen, bypassing the traditional lead given to the Associated Press.
Vance: Liberal reporters are welcome to ask questions, as are fresh voices and new media, but "if you're a propagandist with a Democratic Party, then we're going to treat you like a propagandist with a Democratic Party." pic.twitter.com/SZvGQgKWzP
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) January 30, 2025
The move underscores President Donald Trump’s long-standing skepticism of legacy media, which he frequently criticizes for biased coverage. By expanding access to alternative media voices, the administration is ensuring a broader range of perspectives reach the public, rather than relying on outlets historically hostile to Trump.
Leavitt’s decision to broaden media access follows Trump’s campaign strategy, which prioritized digital platforms and independent media over traditional networks. The administration has made it clear that it will engage directly with Americans, sidestepping the filter of corporate media institutions.
The White House Correspondents’ Association, which has traditionally influenced press room seating and access, has not yet commented on the administration’s restructured approach to press credentials.