Trump White House Opens Press Room to Social Media Influencers and Podcasters

The administration has introduced a 'new media' seat, receiving over 10,000 applications from nontraditional outlets within days.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the youngest in U.S. history at 27, announced the initiative to welcome independent journalists, podcasters, and content creators to White House briefings.
The 'new media' seat marks a significant shift from traditional press access, with the first question at Friday's briefing granted to the conservative 'Ruthless' podcast.
Over 10,000 applications for 'new media' credentials were submitted shortly after the announcement, reflecting growing interest from influencers and alternative media outlets.
The administration cited declining trust in legacy media as a reason for broadening access, aiming to adapt to changing media consumption habits, especially among younger Americans.
Critics have raised concerns about potential bias, questioning whether the inclusion of partisan voices might undermine the integrity of White House press briefings.