Karoline Leavitt reveals Trump’s press strategy — and embraces the tough role

A New Era of Media Relations Under Trump

Donald Trump has long been known for his contentious relationship with the press, but recent developments suggest a shift in tone and approach. Over the past few decades, the former real estate mogul has consistently drawn attention from the media, both for his business ventures and later for his political career. His interactions with journalists have often been marked by sharp exchanges, yet there are now signs that he is showing more openness towards the press.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who has taken on the role of managing communications for the president, reflected on this change during an interview in her West Wing office. She noted that Trump has always had a unique ability to capture public attention, even before becoming president. “He’s been on the front page of more magazines than almost anyone in our country’s history,” she said, highlighting his enduring presence in the media landscape.

The James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, once a site of intense confrontations, has transformed under Leavitt’s leadership. The space has become a hub of activity, where the press secretary regularly engages with journalists. Her approach mirrors Trump’s own style, characterized by a willingness to challenge the media when necessary.

Leavitt, who has served as the president’s spokeswoman since 2024, observed a noticeable difference in how the media interacts with the administration. “They are definitely more respectful of the president this term, because they realize not only did the American people elect him here once, but twice,” she remarked. This shift in tone can be attributed to the media’s growing recognition of Trump’s re-election and the need to adapt to his policies.

During the early months of the president’s second term, the press has shown a more measured approach. For instance, MSNBC hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski visited Mar-a-Lago soon after Trump’s victory, signaling a desire to reset relations. Similarly, CBS News settled a lawsuit with Trump, and its new leadership is seen as more aligned with the administration.

The Oval Office has also become a more frequent destination for reporters. According to the American Presidency Project, Trump has had more press exchanges this year than any other president in history. With over 350 exchanges planned, the record set by Bill Clinton in 1993 appears to be within reach.

Despite this increased access, Trump and his allies continue to engage in disputes with major media outlets. The Associated Press was banned from certain events for not recognizing the Gulf of America, while efforts to defund NPR and PBS were pursued. However, the president has also resolved cases with CBS, ABC, and potentially the BBC.

Critics argue that Trump’s actions have led to a decline in trust in the media. A Pew Research survey found that trust in national news organizations has dropped from 76% to 56% over the last decade. Meanwhile, a Gallup Survey revealed that only 31% of Americans have a great deal of trust in the mass media, a historic low.

Leavitt attributes this decline to Trump’s resistance against the press. “He will also have a conversation with any reporter, no matter how many lies and fake stories they’ve written about him,” she added. Despite this, Trump continues to label articles he dislikes as ‘fake news,’ a habit that has had a lasting impact on public perception.

As the media navigates this complex landscape, the question remains: Will Trump’s evolving relationship with the press reshape the future of White House press access? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—Trump’s influence on the media is undeniable.