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Joe Rogan says podcasters have no business at Trump press conferences alongside real journalists
Joe Rogan said podcasters should not be treated as journalists or invited to ask questions at White House press briefings, arguing they are commentators rather than press professionals. His remarks came amid discussion of a chaotic briefing format and a proposal to give podcasters a prominent seat.
Rogan complained that people shout over one another during press gaggles, preventing reporters from asking questions in turn. He was responding to David Sacks, who said the administration had lost podcasters over recent policies and should give them a front-row place. Podcasters had gained influence during the 2024 presidential campaign, while press secretary Karoline Leavitt introduced a “new media seat” for bloggers and social media figures.
In short
- Rogan says podcasters should not attend White House briefings as journalists.
- He criticised reporters and others shouting over questions.
- A new media seat has given online voices access to briefings.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
White House briefings are limited, and orderly questioning helps journalists scrutinise officials and report answers to the public. Giving seats to people without established reporting standards or experience could make it harder to distinguish independent journalism from commentary, particularly when several people are already competing to speak.
The case against
The media landscape has changed, and some podcasters reach large audiences and ask questions that matter to people who do not follow traditional outlets. Including them could broaden the range of perspectives and let officials face scrutiny from newer forms of media; clear rules on turn-taking and conduct could address disruption without excluding them by category.