White House opens briefing seats to podcasters, influencers, independent media

The White House briefing room already has a new look under President Trump.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday said the administration will open credentials to independent journalists, podcasters and social media influencers to cover the White House.

Ms. Leavitt, at her first daily briefing, said the idea is to open the briefing room to those “who produce news-related content and whose outlet is not already represented by one of the seats in this room.”

She said the seats along the wall at the front of the briefing room, traditionally reserved for White House press staff, will be designated for “new media” figures.

“Millions of Americans, especially young people, have turned from traditional television outlets and newspapers to consume their news from podcasts, blogs, social media and other independent outlets,” Ms. Leavitt said. “It’s essential to our team that we share President Trump’s message everywhere and adapt this White House to the new media landscape in 2025.”

Ms. Leavitt gave the first question of her tenure to a reporter from the conservative Breitbart site, who sat in one of those seats, before turning to the Associated Press reporter who typically opens press briefings.

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The press secretary also said the White House would restore 440 press passes revoked under the prior administration.