Leavitt's First Briefing: A 'New Media' Seat, 440 Passes Restored and 'This Was Not the Enemy' on the Drones (January 28, 2025)

She began with a declaration. “And President Trump is back, and the golden age of America has most definitely begun,” Leavitt said [1].

The video above shows Leavitt’s first briefing on Jan. 28, 2025. Quotes are from the American Presidency Project [1][2].

”Wrongly Revoked”

Leavitt announced changes to the James S. Brady Briefing Room. “This White House believes strongly in the First Amendment, so it’s why our team will work diligently to restore the press passes of the 440 journalists whose passes were wrongly revoked by the previous administration,” she said [1].

“We welcome independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers, and content creators to apply for credentials to cover this White House,” Leavitt said [1].

“Millions of Americans, especially young people, have turned from traditional television outlets and newspapers to consume their news from podcasts, blogs, social media, and other independent outlets,” she said [1].

Her first questions went to the new media members, starting with Axios and Breitbart [1].

”A Wake-Up Call”

Axios’ Mike Allen asked the first question, on China’s DeepSeek artificial intelligence model. “Karoline, does the president see anything fishy about DeepSeek, either its origins or its cost?” [1]

“The president said that he believes that this is a wake-up call to the American AI industry. The last administration sat on their hands and allowed China to rapidly develop this AI program,” Leavitt answered [1].

”The Youngest Press Secretary in History”

Matt Boyle of Breitbart thanked her. “So, Karoline, first off, thank you to you and President Trump for actually giving voices to new media outlets that represent millions and millions of Americans,” Boyle said. “Can you expand upon what steps the White House is going to take to bring more voices, not less — which is what our founder, Andrew Breitbart, believed in — into this room, where they rightly belong?” [1]

“And as the youngest press secretary in history, thanks to President Trump, I take great pride in opening up this room to new media voices to share the president’s message with as many Americans as possible,” Leavitt said [1].

“We also, again, encourage anybody in this country — whether you are a TikTok content creator, a blogger, a podcaster — if you are producing legitimate news content, no matter the medium, you will be allowed to apply for press credentials to this White House,” she said [1].

”This Was Not the Enemy”

Leavitt also brought news on the drones seen over New Jersey in late 2024. “I do have news directly from the president of the United States that was just shared with me in the Oval Office from President Trump directly — an update on the New Jersey drones: After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons,” she said [1].

“Many of these drones were also hobbyists — recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones,” Leavitt said. “This was not the enemy.” [1]

“I Commit to Telling the Truth”

The Associated Press’ Zeke Miller asked how she saw the job. “Do you view yourself and your role as speaking on — advocating on behalf of the president, or providing the unvarnished truth that is, you know, not to lie, not to obfuscate to the American people?” [1]

“I commit to telling the truth from this podium every single day. I commit to speaking on behalf of the president of the United States. That is my job,” Leavitt answered [1].

“But since you brought up truth, Zeke, I would like to point out, while I vow to provide the truth from this podium, we ask that all of you in this room hold yourselves to that same standard,” she said. “We will call you out when we feel that your reporting is wrong or there is misinformation about this White House.” [1]

“Think Again”

On the border, Leavitt had a message. “So, to foreign nationals who are thinking about trying to illegally enter the United States, think again. Under this president, you will be detained, and you will be deported,” she said [1].

She pointed to Colombia, which had refused a U.S. military deportation flight. “Within hours, the Colombian government agreed to all of President Trump’s demands, proving America is once again respected on the world stage,” Leavitt said [1].

By the Numbers

440: journalists whose passes would be restored, per Leavitt [1].
300+: executive actions Trump had taken since the inauguration, per Leavitt [1].
Nearly $1 trillion: in U.S. investments secured, per Leavitt [1].
5: Cabinet nominees the Senate had confirmed [1].

What Happened Next

Leavitt took over the press pool. Four weeks later, she went further. “As you all know, for decades, a group of D.C.-based journalists, the White House Correspondents’ Association, has long dictated which journalists get to ask questions of the president of the United States in these most intimate spaces. Not anymore,” Leavitt said on Feb. 25, 2025 [2].

“Moving forward, the White House press pool will be determined by the White House press team,” she said [2].

For Leavitt on the Statue of Liberty seven weeks later, see HYGO News’ page on March 17, 2025. For Trump in Las Vegas three days earlier, see the page on Jan. 25, 2025.