John Ashbrook, co-host of the popular conservative podcast "Ruthless," caused a stir at the White House press briefing on Friday, marking a shift in media access under the Trump administration. Ashbrook secured one of the newly established "new media seats," designed to include independent journalists, podcasters, and online content creators. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the overwhelming interest in these seats, with over 10,000 applications received.

Ashbrook used his opportunity to question whether traditional media outlets are disconnected from the American public. He referenced previous criticism of the administration's immigration policies, asking Leavitt if she believed the media's stance was out of sync with public opinion on border security. Leavitt agreed, citing a New York Times poll showing strong support for deporting illegal immigrants with criminal records and emphasizing that the majority of deportations under the Trump administration were based on orders issued by the previous administration.

Later, on "The Will Cain Show," Ashbrook described the palpable tension in the briefing room, noting the "eye rolls" and "smirks" from established reporters upon his arrival. He expressed his intention to inject humor into the proceedings and praised the White House's initiative to diversify voices in the briefing room.

Ashbrook celebrated the move as a victory for citizen journalism, echoing Elon Musk's sentiment that "you are the media now." He believes this initiative empowers the public and provides a direct channel for communication with the government.

This incident underscores the ongoing evolution of media landscape and the increasing influence of non-traditional news sources. The inclusion of podcasters and online personalities in the White House press briefings signals a significant change in how information is disseminated and consumed.