Administration invites social media influencers and independent journalists to cover the White House; and vows to reinstate 440 reporters whose press credentials were revoked under Biden
[Cheonji Ilbo Washington=Reporter Eloise Lee] — January 29
The Trump White House held its first press briefing on Tuesday, featuring 27-year old Karoline Leavitt at the podium — the youngest Press Secretary in history.
Before taking questions, Leavitt announced changes to the press corps and how the Trump Administration plans to engage with media.
Leavitt said that President Trump would be the “most transparent and accessible” president to date with a “revolutionary” media approach. Leavitt then invited bloggers, podcasters, and social media content creators to apply for press credentials, while announcing that a seat usually occupied by White House staff in the briefing room will now be reserved for “new media”.
“The Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities, not just the legacy media who are seated in this room,” said Leavitt, referring to mainstream TV outlets like CNN and national newspapers that traditionally occupy the best seats in the briefing room. .
“According to recent polling from Gallup, Americans' trust in mass media has fallen to a record low,” continued Leavitt. “Millions of Americans, especially young people, have turned from traditional television outlets and newspapers to consume their news from podcasts, blogs, social media, and other independent outlets.”
Notably, President Trump has not often found favor with the mainstream media, alleging biased reporting against him and lies.
Leavitt said it's essential that President's Trump's message is shared “everywhere” and that in keeping with the Constitution's First Amendment, the Administration will also restore the credentials of 440 journalists whose press passes had been revoked under Biden's term in office.
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press. It also protects the right to assemble peacefully and petition the government.
Leavitt gave the first questions of the briefing to reporters from independent news websites, Axios and Breitbart.