Leavitt Reshapes White House Press Access, Opens Doors To Independent Journalists

The Trump administration has seen a flood of applications from independent journalists and digital media figures after Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt opened White House press access to non-traditional outlets. More than 7,000 requests for credentials have poured in since the announcement, signaling a shift away from legacy media dominance.

During her first press briefing, Leavitt outlined the administration’s new approach, welcoming independent journalists, podcasters, and online news creators. “We are broadening access to ensure Americans receive the truth from a variety of sources, not just corporate media,” she told reporters. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s long-standing criticism of mainstream outlets and his strategy of engaging directly with the public.

To reinforce this shift, the administration has reinstated the hard passes of hundreds of journalists who lost credentials under the previous administration. A new “New Media Seat” has also been added to the front row of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, allowing alternative media a prominent place in White House briefings.

Breaking with tradition, Leavitt chose not to begin with a question from the Associated Press, instead calling on journalists from Breitbart and Axios. This change underscores the administration’s commitment to engaging voices beyond the mainstream press.

Trump’s team has prioritized alternative media throughout his presidency, favoring interviews with online platforms over major television networks. This latest move further cements the administration’s commitment to bypassing traditional media filters.

With thousands of applications already submitted, the White House is now reviewing requests and preparing for a more diverse media presence in the briefing room.