Thousands of independent journalists have applied for spots alongside legacy media. ‘Our audience is real, and we speak for the people,’ said one.
More than 7,400 people, many of whom are journalists representing independent media and other outlets from across the world, requested access to White House press briefings after rules were loosened, a White House official told The Epoch Times by email Jan. 29.
Among those who applied for credentials, many took to social media to announce their submissions.
“Our show beats the corporate media every day in viewers,” conservative political commentator Benny Johnson posted Jan. 28 on the social media platform X. “Thank you to the White House for recognizing the power of independent news. Our audience is real, and we speak for the people.”
Others who said they applied include conservative analyst Chester Tam, investigative reporter James O’Keefe, and independent reporter Alex Berenson.
“Seems you want me asking questions of the White House,” Berenson wrote to his email subscribers. He said he applied for credentials after conducting a poll with supporters the day prior. “And by a 5-1 margin you want me in.” he said.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced new media access policies Jan. 28 during her first stint at the podium since President Donald Trump took office.
“It is a priority of this White House to honor the First Amendment,” she said. “And as the youngest press secretary in history thanks to President Trump, I take great pride in opening up this room to new media voices to share the president’s message with as many Americans as possible.”
One seat that was previously used for staff will now provide an upfront opportunity for so-called “new media” that includes podcasters, bloggers, social media influencers, and less represented media, according to Leavitt.
She said millions of Americans no longer rely on traditional media sources and are turning to a new style of news content producers.
“The Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities, not just the legacy media who are seated in this room,” Leavitt said.
She invited journalists representing outlets that do not have seats at briefings to apply at a newly launched website.
Thousands heeded the call and are now awaiting a response. It is unknown how the requests will be handled or how many new media personalities will have their requests granted.
The move is a sharp change from how other administrations have handled the makeup of the press room.
“This is smart. In the past, Republican presidents let left-wing outlets dominate the briefing room, putting their administrations on the defensive,” Christopher Rufo posted Jan. 28 on X. “Now, the party in power is making sure the briefing room is balanced and competitive.”
Trump has taken on the media since this 2016 campaign for office, making the phrase “fake news” ubiquitous and singling out journalists and outlets that he believes cover topics unfairly.