Trump's New Media Shift: AP, Reuters Face White House Restrictions

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA - In a significant shift in media strategy, the White House under President Donald Trump is drawing criticism for its new policy regarding press access, particularly concerning the Associated Press (AP) and other major news agencies. As of June 7, 2025, the White House has restructured who gets access to press briefings, favoring „new media“ outlets while sidelining traditional journalism institutions.

The AP, one of the most important news agencies globally, along with European press freedom groups, has voiced strong objections to these changes. They argue that limiting access to the AP and similar organizations undermines the fundamental principles of a free press. Trump’s administration has a history of labeling critical reporting as „fake news,“ contributing to an environment where established news agencies may face significant access limitations [Spiegel]().

New Media Preference

Under the guidance of the new White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, there’s a notable pivot towards influencers, podcasters, and bloggers. Leavitt announced that one seat in the briefing room will be reserved specifically for representatives of what she terms „new media.“ This includes content creators on platforms like TikTok, as she invites them to apply for press accreditation if they produce factual news content [Tagesschau]().

This decision seems to align with Trump’s belief that his 2024 electoral campaign was bolstered by connections with popular podcasters, particularly those who resonate with younger demographics. Interestingly, this strategic shift reportedly stemmed from an idea suggested by Trump’s son, Barron [Tagesschau]().

However, this cozy relationship with certain media types raises eyebrows. Critics worry that the lineup at press briefings may become an echo chamber for right-leaning perspectives, leaving established media, particularly those labeled as „fake news“ by Trump, to feel marginalized. Leavitt’s first press conference highlighted this concern when a question from Breitbart News—known for its conservative stance—received immediate attention [Tagesschau]().

Legal Battles and Controversies

The AP’s situation has escalated into a legal matter, as they accuse the White House of violating a court ruling that granted them access and challenged the administration’s unilateral control over media interactions. This new policy particularly affects the access of wire services like AP, Reuters, and Bloomberg, limiting their ability to engage with the President directly [AP]().

Previously, a court ruled that the White House had infringed upon the AP’s First Amendment rights. The current legal dispute involves AP filing a motion against the administration, claiming that this new access policy contradicts the court’s earlier findings. The AP’s pushback comes amid broader protests from wire services over the reduced scrutiny afforded to the administration [AP]().

As the AP seeks to enforce the court ruling, the White House defends its stance by asserting that media access is a privilege, not a given right. They plan to contest the ruling in an appeals court, suggesting that this tug-of-war over press access could have lasting implications for journalism in America [AP]().

With a striking change in the press landscape unfolding, one can’t help but wonder: What does this mean for the future of media reporting and accountability when established norms are being challenged at the highest levels of government?