At her first White House press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Trump administration is introducing major changes to the briefing room to make it more inclusive of newer, non-traditional media voices.
Leavitt cited President Donald Trump’s “revolutionary media approach” during the 2016 campaign, which involved engaging with popular podcast hosts and social media influencers, as the inspiration for the changes. She highlighted that millions of Americans, especially young people, have turned away from traditional television outlets and newspapers in favor of alternative sources, such as podcasts, blogs, and social media.
To adapt to this new media landscape, Leavitt announced that the press passes of 440 journalists who had theirs revoked by the Biden administration would be restored. The briefing room would also be opened up to “new media voices who produce news-related content” and outlets that have not been welcomed in previously.
Additionally, a new “new media seat” in the front of the briefing room would be reserved for eligible new media applicants who meet certain criteria. Leavitt invited independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers, and content creators to apply for credentials to cover the White House on the White House’s website.
The press secretary emphasized the importance of honoring the first amendment and taking “great pride” in opening up the briefing room to new media voices, saying, “As the youngest press secretary in history, thanks to President Trump, I take great pride in opening up this room to new media voices to share the president’s message with as many Americans as possible.”