Staff Reports
The White House has been inundated with applications for a “new media” seat, racking up over 7,000 requests from independent journalists, podcasters, and social media influencers within a single day. This surge came shortly after press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Trump administration would reinstate press passes for 440 journalists whose permits were unjustly pulled by the Biden administration. It seems that the new media’s demand for a seat at the table is stronger than a double shot of espresso.
In a display of the growing disconnect between traditional press and modern media, the White House revealed that a whopping 7,400 applications arrived in mere hours of the announcement. An official confirmed this to the Daily Wire, proving that when it comes to creating space for alternative voices, the Trump team knows how to roll out the welcome mat. Meanwhile, mainstream journalists must be kicking themselves for ignoring the birthplace of genuine conversation and alternative narratives—namely, the thriving realm of podcasts and social media.
🚨 BIG NEWS for Citizen Journalists! 🚨
The White House is now accepting applications for new media creators to cover press briefings! That means podcasters, influencers, and independent journalists can apply for access—no legacy media ties required.
💡 Who Can Apply?
✅ You… pic.twitter.com/IdoK8YoQMb— clipboard (@daynahimot) January 28, 2025
Leavitt articulated the shift in media consumption patterns amongst younger Americans, who are increasingly drawn to the dynamic offerings of podcasts, blogs, and other independent platforms. She stressed the administration’s commitment to spreading Trump’s message across new media landscapes. With 2025 around the corner, adapting to the ever-evolving ways Americans consume news seems to be a top priority for the Trump team, who clearly see that the old guard of traditional news outlets simply isn’t cutting it anymore.
While expressing a purported commitment to the First Amendment, Leavitt also underscored the intention to restore the press passes of journalists unfairly targeted by the previous administration. Welcoming new voices to the briefing room, she pointed out that the vibrant community of independent journalists, influencers, and content creators will find a warm embrace within this reimagined media environment. No longer will the press briefing room be a snooze-fest of the same old talking heads; instead, it will become a lively exchange of ideas from a diverse range of viewpoints.
Of course, applications will be screened, with Leavitt and her team on the lookout for those who can pass the rigorous United Secret Service requirements. It’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to cover the White House now more inclusive than ever. It turns out that when the Trump administration says they’re bringing new voices into the conversation, they mean business—and it’s about time that alternative media got its due recognition.
