The incoming Trump administration is considering giving podcast personalities like Joe Rogan and Megyn Kelly coveted spots in the White House press briefing room.
According to the Daily Mail, Donald Trump Jr. disclosed on his podcast "Triggered" that the administration is exploring a potential restructuring of the press briefing room seating arrangements to accommodate non-traditional media personalities.
The revelation came during a conversation between Trump Jr. and co-host Michael Knowles, where the president-elect's son shared details of a recent discussion with his father aboard a plane returning from a SpaceX launch with Elon Musk. The proposed changes would mark a significant shift in White House media relations, potentially altering the decades-old tradition of mainstream media dominance in the briefing room.
The James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, which houses only 49 seats, has traditionally been the domain of established media outlets. The seating arrangement is currently managed by the White House Correspondents' Association, operating independently from the administration.
Trump Jr. justified the potential changes by citing declining public trust in mainstream media outlets and what he perceives as bias against his family. He specifically questioned the continued presence of traditional media organizations that he claims have shown hostility toward the Trump administration.
The incoming administration's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, may play a crucial role in implementing these changes, though the extent of her authority remains limited by the White House Correspondents' Association's control over seating arrangements.
The president-elect has recently demonstrated a successful rapport with podcast hosts, participating in lengthy conversations on shows hosted by Joe Rogan, Theo Von, and streamer Adin Ross. These appearances have generated tens of millions of views and predominantly positive coverage.
Joe Rogan, speaking about his interview with Trump, shared this observation:
He's got this ability to just keep going. This is what's crazy, like the podcast was three hours long. The guy didn't pee before the podcast. He didn't pee after the podcast. He just left.
These digital media appearances have helped Trump reach younger male voters while allowing him to discuss both policy positions and lighter topics in a more relaxed setting.
Previous attempts by the Trump administration to modify press access faced legal challenges, notably when CNN's Jim Acosta's credentials were temporarily revoked during Trump's first term. The network's subsequent legal action resulted in the restoration of Acosta's access.
The potential inclusion of podcast personalities would represent a dramatic departure from traditional White House press corps composition. While specific details remain unclear, the administration appears committed to incorporating alternative media voices.
The proposed changes align with Trump's ongoing criticism of mainstream media outlets and his embrace of alternative platforms for communication with the public.
The potential restructuring of the White House press briefing room represents a significant shift in how future administrations might interact with media. Donald Trump Jr.'s announcement suggests that podcast hosts and new media personalities could soon share space with traditional journalists in one of journalism's most prestigious venues. The administration's consideration of this change reflects their critique of mainstream media and their recognition of alternative media's growing influence in shaping public opinion.
