
The Trump administration’s push to open White House press briefings to non-traditional media has led to an overwhelming response, with more than 7,000 applications submitted in just days. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s new policy welcomes independent journalists, podcasters, and digital content creators, a move that challenges the traditional media’s grip on Washington reporting.
Leavitt, in her first press briefing, made clear that the administration is moving beyond the legacy media model. “This White House is committed to expanding access and ensuring that independent voices have the opportunity to engage with the administration,” she told reporters. The shift allows a broader range of outlets to cover White House events, rather than limiting access to corporate newsrooms.
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
Alongside the credentialing expansion, the administration reinstated hundreds of hard passes that had been revoked under the previous administration. A front-row seat in the briefing room has also been designated for “new media,” ensuring that independent journalists have a direct line to White House communications.
Breaking from long-standing practice, Leavitt bypassed the Associated Press for the first question of the briefing, instead calling on Breitbart’s Matt Boyle and Axios’ Mike Allen. This deviation from tradition highlighted the administration’s intent to reshape media relations and reduce reliance on establishment outlets.
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
Trump has long criticized mainstream media, arguing that alternative platforms provide a more accurate representation of his policies. The expansion of press credentials aligns with his administration’s broader efforts to sideline media organizations that he has accused of biased coverage.
With thousands of applications still being reviewed, the White House press office is now determining how to accommodate the surge of new voices eager to cover the administration.