Leavitt Opens White House Briefings To New Media, Shifting Press Access Away From Legacy Outlets

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.

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.

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.

Previous articleTrump Administration All In On Effort To End Child Trafficking
Next articleFired Fed Booted By Security After Refusing To Leave Her Office