In her inaugural press briefing on January 28, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced a significant expansion of media access. The administration will now include independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers, and content creators in the Brady Press Briefing Room.
A dedicated front-row seat will be allocated to these new media representatives, rotating among qualified individuals who meet specific criteria and pass security clearances.
Leavitt emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving media landscape, noting that many Americans, especially younger demographics, prefer consuming news through podcasts, blogs, and social media platforms. She stated, “The Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities, not just the legacy media who are seated in this room.”
In addition to welcoming new media, the administration plans to restore press passes to approximately 400 journalists whose credentials were revoked during the previous administration. This move aims to broaden access and ensure diverse media representation within the White House. This approach aims to broaden media representation and continue strategies from Trump’s 2024 campaign to directly engage with grassroots audiences.
These changes reflect the administration’s commitment to transparency and its recognition of the shifting dynamics in news consumption. By embracing a wider array of media voices, the White House seeks to engage more effectively with the public across various platforms.