Is the GOP right about this?
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) recently made waves by questioning the role of foreign media at White House press briefings. Her comments came after a social media post by political commentator Gunther Eagleman, which highlighted a reporter’s question about staffing at federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in the aftermath of a tragic collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter.
Greene, who has often criticized the mainstream media, took the opportunity to praise White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for her handling of the briefing. She highlighted Leavitt’s ability to counter what she describes as biased legacy media. However, Greene also raised concerns about the accent of one of the reporters, suggesting that the White House should consider limiting the presence of foreign journalists in the briefing room. She emphasized that American media should take precedence in these settings.
Greene’s remarks come at a time when the White House is making changes to its press operations. Leavitt, in her first briefing, introduced new initiatives, such as welcoming “new media” members—including influencers and podcasters—to attend and ask questions. This shift has generated significant interest, with over 7,000 press pass requests submitted. Additionally, the White House has committed to reinstating press credentials for 440 journalists whose access had been revoked by the previous administration.
Under Leavitt’s leadership, the White House is making the briefing room more accessible to members of the new media, giving them seats previously held by White House aides and allowing them to ask questions at the start of the briefings. These changes mark a shift away from the more traditional press operations of the past administration, signaling a move toward modernization and broader media engagement.
Greene’s comments are part of her ongoing criticism of the mainstream media. Earlier this year, she told reporters that Americans were tired of the media’s focus on the January 6 Capitol riots. She has also publicly clashed with foreign journalists, accusing them of contributing to political division and, in some cases, even stirring up violence.
For Greene, prioritizing American-focused media and reducing the influence of foreign outlets is a way to ensure that U.S. interests are better represented in the national discourse. While her comments may be contentious, they align with her broader push to reshape media coverage and promote American values over what she perceives as outside influence.