White House Expands Access at Press Briefings to All Media Platforms—No Longer Only Legacy Media

On Tuesday, January 28th, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Trump White House will open its briefing room to new media outlets, including independent journalists, podcasters, and social media influencers. 

In her first briefing, Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to engaging with all media platforms, not just legacy outlets. “The Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities, not just the legacy media,” Leavitt said. She cited a Gallup poll showing declining trust in traditional media, particularly among younger Americans.

Leavitt explained that those who meet the White House’s requirements and pass a Secret Service background check will be given credentials. These passes allow journalists easier access to the White House. The administration also plans to restore credentials for about 440 journalists whose passes were taken away by the Biden administration.

“We welcome independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers, and content creators to apply for credentials to cover this White House,” Leavitt said. This policy shift is part of President Trump’s broader media strategy to connect with a wider audience, including conservative and younger viewers who prefer non-traditional news sources. 

Those interested in applying for credentials can do so on the White House’s new media portal at whitehouse.gov/newmedia.

This policy change represents a shift in White House media strategy, aiming to adapt to the evolving landscape of news consumption.