Leavitt Breaks Legacy Media Control, Welcomes Thousands Of Independent Journalists

The Trump administration is transforming media access at the White House by granting independent journalists, podcasters, and digital media figures a seat at the table. Since Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the new credentialing process, more than 7,000 applications have been submitted, signaling a major shift in how the administration engages with the press.

Leavitt, during her first official briefing, emphasized that the administration would no longer cater exclusively to mainstream media outlets. “We will not allow a select group of corporate newsrooms to dictate the narrative,” she told reporters. The policy shift reflects President Donald Trump’s long-standing effort to bypass traditional media filters and reach Americans directly.

To reinforce this change, the White House reinstated the credentials of journalists who lost access under the previous administration. Additionally, a new “New Media Seat” in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room was introduced, ensuring that independent voices have a direct presence in official briefings.

In a move that broke long-standing tradition, Leavitt did not begin the briefing by calling on the Associated Press. Instead, she gave the first questions to Breitbart’s Matt Boyle and Axios’ Mike Allen. The decision marked a deliberate effort to push back against legacy media’s dominance in Washington press circles.

Trump’s team has prioritized engagement with alternative media since his first term, often favoring interviews with digital platforms over establishment networks. The White House’s new press policy cements this approach, ensuring that smaller outlets and independent reporters have access.

The administration has not yet outlined how it will manage the overwhelming number of press applications, but the influx highlights the growing role of independent journalism in national politics.