The White House has received more than 7,000 applications for press passes after Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Trump administration would open the briefing room to members of the "new media," including independent content creators, podcasters, and social influencers, The Hill reported.
On Tuesday, Leavitt revealed that more than 7,000 requests have been received since the administration extended access beyond traditional news outlets. The policy will allow independent journalists, content creators, and other digital media personalities to cover White House events and briefings.
"As long as you are creating news content of the day and are a legitimate independent journalist, you are welcome to cover this White House," Leavitt said during her first briefing.
The change follows a presidential campaign in which Trump prioritized outreach to alternative media, often bypassing traditional news organizations in favor of online platforms, as his campaign strategy included interviews with internet-based shows and influencers to engage younger voters who increasingly consume news through social media and digital sources.
Leavitt emphasized that the new press access aims to foster a more inclusive environment in the briefing room, where all media outlets and personalities can engage with the administration.
"It's essential to our team that we share President Trump's message everywhere," Leavitt said.
During Tuesday's briefing, Leavitt took questions from Mike Allen of Axios and Matt Boyle of Breitbart, signaling the administration's willingness to interact with various media voices.
The shift has caused unease among current White House press corps members, many of whom have expressed concern over how including nontraditional media figures might impact briefings and coverage.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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