Leavitt Expands Press Credentials, Thousands From Independent Media Apply

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s decision to open press access to independent journalists, content creators, and podcasters has triggered a surge of applications, with more than 7,000 requests already submitted. This marks a major shift away from the stronghold traditional media outlets have had over White House coverage.

Leavitt, speaking at her first press briefing, outlined the new policy, emphasizing that the Trump administration would not cater exclusively to legacy media. “We are welcoming all legitimate journalists, including independent media and digital creators, to cover this White House,” she stated. The administration has long pushed for a broader media landscape, aiming to reach the American people without relying on traditional gatekeepers.

To further this effort, the White House reinstated hard passes for journalists whose credentials were revoked under the previous administration. Additionally, a newly designated “New Media Seat” in the front row of the briefing room will ensure that independent outlets have a presence in official press briefings.

In another break from past protocol, Leavitt chose not to start with a question from the Associated Press, instead calling on Matt Boyle of Breitbart and Mike Allen of Axios. This move signaled a clear departure from long-standing White House press traditions and reinforced the administration’s commitment to decentralizing media influence.

President Donald Trump has consistently bypassed corporate news organizations, favoring digital media and direct communication methods. The expansion of press credentials aligns with this strategy, ensuring the administration’s message reaches Americans without being filtered through legacy outlets.

The White House has yet to announce how it will process the massive number of applications, but the response underscores the growing role of independent media in political coverage.