Trump’s New Press Secretary Drops More Bad News for Legacy Media [WATCH]

Karoline Leavitt, the incoming White House press secretary for President-elect Donald Trump, recently indicated that press credentials for the upcoming administration’s Briefing Room could extend to podcasters and social media influencers.

This shift, she suggested, would effectively challenge the dominance of traditional legacy media journalists as the new administration aims to modernize media access and adapt it to the evolving landscape of 2024.

Leavitt made these comments during an interview on Monday with FOX News host Kellyanne Conway, offering a glimpse of how the Trump team plans to reshape how news is communicated from the White House.

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

Conway introduced the topic by highlighting how President-elect Trump effectively leveraged alternative media platforms, such as TikTok, during his campaign.

This included high-profile appearances on major podcasts like those hosted by Joe Rogan and Theo Von.

Conway questioned whether such figures would continue to have a role in the media coverage of the administration.

Leavitt’s response strongly suggested that the new administration views these platforms as critical to reaching a broader audience. “As for the press briefing room,” she said, “we are certainly exploring ways on how to make sure that room reflects the media habits of the American people in 2024, not in the 1980s.”

She further emphasized that the 2024 presidential election results demonstrated a clear shift in the way Americans consume news, moving away from traditional legacy media outlets in favor of more contemporary, alternative sources.

Leavitt remarked that Americans are now increasingly turning to podcasters, social media influencers, and even platforms like TikTok for their information, rather than relying on the mainstream media.

Leavitt’s comments come after President Trump’s successful use of social media and alternative platforms during the election, which she noted resonated with voters. “If this election proved anything, it proved that the American people are no longer listening to the mainstream bias, anti-Trump legacy media,” Leavitt said.

“In fact, the ratings of many networks, not this one, but some others, are in the tank, and Americans are consuming their news from podcasters, social influencers, and yes, TikTok, as President Trump so exceptionally used on the campaign trail.”

A recent report from Deadline further supports Leavitt’s argument, revealing a significant drop in viewership for traditional news outlets.

According to the report, MSNBC saw a 57% decrease in ratings, while CNN experienced a 49% drop since the period leading up to Election Day.

The decline is attributed to a variety of factors, including voter fatigue and disillusionment, particularly after widespread negative coverage of Trump and claims that he was a “threat” to democracy.

Leavitt’s statement highlighted the growing irrelevance of mainstream media and the changing dynamics of news consumption.

She concluded, “So we will look to effectively communicate his (Trump’s) message through all mediums so that all Americans are hearing the facts from the White House directly, not through the lens of the ever-biased anti-Trump legacy media.”

Trump’s Incoming Press Secretary Delivers More Bad News For Legacy Media @karolineleavitt, the incoming White House press secretary for President-elect Donald Trump, recently indicated that press credentials for the upcoming administration’s Briefing Room could extend to… pic.twitter.com/23PBKwjje6

— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 1, 2025

This shift could have significant implications for the traditional White House press corps.

As Leavitt pointed out, there are limited seats in the press briefing room, and adding podcasters and social media influencers could crowd out legacy media outlets, which may no longer hold the same influence as they once did.

Leavitt’s comments have already sparked concern among traditional media outlets. Some journalists have expressed apprehension that the new administration might restrict their access in favor of alternative media personalities.

A few have even suggested a potential boycott of White House briefings if this shift takes place.

However, the suggestion of an alternative media shift has been met with support from some, who argue that mainstream media’s declining influence is a result of their own biased reporting.

With these remarks, Leavitt is signaling a significant shift in how the next administration plans to engage with the American public.

If implemented, this strategy could redefine the relationship between the White House and the media, as the Trump administration looks to move away from the established media framework and towards a more dynamic, modern method of communication.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.