On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt introduced “influencer briefings,” aimed at engaging a new audience on social media. This initiative seeks to recognize the shift in media consumption, with Leavitt stating that “all journalists, outlets, and voices have a seat at the table.” However, it soon became apparent that the attendees predominantly supported former President Donald Trump, with nearly all influencers having ties to his administration or personal connections to members of his Cabinet.
Among the 25 influencers present, familiar faces included former Trump staff members and supporters, such as Sean Spicer and William Upton, creating a perception of bias in the selection process. Some questioned the absence of conservative voices outside Trump’s orbit in similar events under the Biden administration. Leavitt defended the initiative, asserting that engaging with new media provides broader access than traditional outlets, which have long monopolized press events.
Notably, during these briefings, questions often leaned in favor of the Trump administration, with influencers seeking soft inquiries or praising policies. Many of these influencers are known for controversial statements and right-wing sentiments, which has drawn criticism from both the left, concerned about the administration’s proclivity for pro-Trump voices, and the far-right, who feel excluded from the gatherings.
Critics argue these briefings undermine the authenticity that many influencers have built by representing themselves as independent truth-tellers. An unnamed right-wing publicist cautioned that such events could backfire, as influencers risk losing their edge by appearing aligned with the powerful establishment. Overall, the White House’s strategy to embrace social media engagement has sparked debate about accessibility, media bias, and the authenticity of the influencers involved.
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