• The Trump administration announced a groundbreaking shift in media engagement, expanding access to the White House Press Briefing Room to include independent journalists, podcasters, and social media influencers.
• A dedicated “New Media Seat” will be added to the front row, marking a significant departure from traditional practices that favored legacy media outlets.
• Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to the First Amendment and restoring press credentials for 440 journalists whose access was revoked under the previous administration.
• The move reflects President Trump’s successful 2024 campaign strategy, which relied heavily on alternative media platforms to bypass corporate media bias and censorship.
A new chapter for media access
In a bold move that signals a seismic shift in how the White House interacts with the press, the Trump administration announced Tuesday that it will open the doors of the Brady Press Briefing Room to a broader array of media voices. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the youngest in history at 27, unveiled plans to prioritize independent journalists, podcasters, and social media influencers, challenging legacy media outlets that have long held sway in the briefing room.
The announcement, made during Leavitt’s first press briefing of President Donald Trump’s second term, highlights the administration’s commitment to engaging with a media landscape that has evolved dramatically since Trump first entered the political arena. “The Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities, not just the legacy media who are seated in this room,” Leavitt declared, emphasizing the administration’s intent to adapt to the changing ways Americans consume news.
The rise of independent media
The decision to expand access to the briefing room reflects a broader trend in American media consumption. Gallup polling shows that trust in mainstream media has hit an all-time low, with millions of Americans—particularly younger generations—turning to podcasts, blogs, and social media for their news. Independent media played a pivotal role in Trump’s 2024 campaign, with the president appearing on popular platforms like Joe Rogan’s podcast and engaging with influencers such as the Nelk Boys.
Leavitt highlighted this shift, stating, “Millions of Americans—especially young people—have turned from traditional television outlets and newspapers to consume their news from podcasts, blogs, social media, and other independent outlets. It’s essential to our team that we share President Trump’s message everywhere and adapt this White House to the new media landscape in 2025.”
The move also addresses long-standing grievances among independent creators, who have faced censorship, demonetization, and algorithmic suppression on Big Tech platforms. Leavitt’s announcement represents a breakthrough for these voices, offering them a chance to reclaim their place in the public discourse.
A seat at the table for independent and new media
In a symbolic and practical gesture, Leavitt announced the creation of a “New Media Seat” in the front row of the briefing room, a spot traditionally reserved for the press secretary’s staff. The seat will be open to independent journalists, podcasters, and content creators who meet the administration’s criteria for press credentials.
“We are inviting independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers, and content creators to apply for White House press credentials through our newly launched website, whitehouse.gov/newmedia,” Leavitt said. Applications will be reviewed by her team and must pass the U.S. Secret Service’s security checks.
New media channels in the White House Press Briefing room, so far include:
• Real America’s Voice
• Turning Point USA
• The Daily Caller
• Breitbart
• Axios
• Independent podcasters and social media influencers (via the “New Media Seat”)
Restoring press freedom
In another significant move, Leavitt announced plans to reinstate press credentials for 440 journalists whose access was revoked under the previous administration. “This White House strongly believes in the First Amendment, which is why we are working diligently to restore press passes to journalists who were wrongly denied access,” she said.
The decision reflects the administration’s broader commitment to press freedom and its belief that diverse media voices are essential to a healthy democracy. Leavitt also confirmed that respected outlets such as Axios and Breitbart will continue to have permanent seats in the briefing room, while encouraging creators from platforms like TikTok, blogs, and podcasts to apply for credentials.
As the briefing room evolves to include a more diverse array of voices, the implications for American democracy are profound. This shift is a testament to the enduring power of independent media and a reminder that, in an era of unprecedented technological change, the fight for Free Speech and sticking to Constitutional principles remains as vital as ever.
Sources include: