Thousands of independent journalists, online influencers, and podcasters are seeking White House press credentials after Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced a dramatic expansion of media access. More than 7,000 applications have been submitted so far, signaling a shift away from the dominance of traditional news organizations.
Leavitt, speaking from the podium at her first briefing, made it clear that the Trump administration would not rely solely on legacy media to communicate with the public. “This White House is committed to ensuring independent journalists and new media voices are included in the process,” she stated. The new policy reflects Trump’s ongoing push to decentralize media influence and speak directly to the American people.
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
As part of the shift, the White House reinstated press passes for hundreds of journalists who had their access revoked under the previous administration. A front-row “New Media Seat” has also been designated in the briefing room, allowing independent reporters to play a more visible role.
Breaking with decades of tradition, Leavitt skipped over the Associated Press for the first question of the briefing, calling instead on Breitbart and Axios reporters. The move signaled a direct challenge to the longstanding influence of corporate media in shaping White House narratives.
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 news outlets, accusing them of bias and misinformation. His administration’s latest media expansion aligns with his broader strategy of engaging with alternative platforms and bypassing establishment networks.
The White House has yet to announce how it will process the overwhelming number of press applications, but the response underscores the rising influence of independent journalism in today’s political landscape.
