Plans to make the White House press briefing room more MAGA-friendly are underway, potentially shifting media dynamics. Trump plans to increase right-leaning news outlets to half the seats. Who is going to be picked as the new press secretary?
Restructuring the Press Briefing Room
The Trump administration seeks to amplify representation from pro-MAGA media outlets in the White House press briefing room. The historic James Brady Press Briefing Room contains 49 seats for media representatives, traditionally managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association. The administration plans to utilize its control over press credentials to empower outlets supportive of MAGA ideals.
Currently, major networks like NBC News, Fox News, CBS News, and CNN hold prominent positions in the seating arrangement, with conservative outlets such as Fox News and The Wall Street Journal having about ten seats. Trump plans to restructure this setup, aiming to have nearly half the seats occupied by conservative and pro-MAGA outlets.
The incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump is considering changes in the White House daily press briefing room to provide access to newer outlets. https://t.co/JYRX51qIjZ
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) November 13, 2024
Emerging Media Dynamics
The introduction of more pro-MAGA outlets could change the dynamics during White House briefings. Breitbart News and One America News, currently not seated, might receive favored placements. This strategic shift highlights the administration’s intent to recalibrate how media engagements occur, favoring outlets likely to present Trump’s message more positively.
The reshuffle could be met with resistance from traditional media outlets accustomed to their current arrangements. However, it signifies a broader strategy by the Trump administration to ensure its political allies have increased access to White House communications.
This sounds familiar! Maybe Speaker @CSexton25 can give him some pointers. https://t.co/T10Kd8v9DS
(Context: Sexton bans us from his pressers as the rest of Tennessee media has said nothing, themselves keeping us out of the press corps. Will they speak up when Trump does it?) pic.twitter.com/rOrKAe7Bs2
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) November 13, 2024
Potential Changes in Leadership
The restructuring may coincide with additional personnel changes, such as the appointment of a new press secretary. Alina Habba and Karoline Leavitt are among the potential candidates being considered. Other names floated include Scott Jennings, Steven Cheung, and Jason Miller for key communications roles. Such appointments would continue to reflect the administration’s desire to align closely with its messaging strategy.
Possible changes suggest a robust approach to shaping public discourse, with Steven Cheung potentially stepping into the role of White House communications director. This restructured team seeks to maximize the administration’s reach and effectiveness in conveying its policies.