In a moment that underscored the ongoing evolution of political journalism—and sparked a new wave of debate—an independent reporter attending a special “new media” White House briefing shocked viewers by essentially asking Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt how she should be reporting on President Donald Trump.

The exchange took place during a separate afternoon press briefing held exclusively for non-traditional media figures—bloggers, digital creators, and social media influencers who’ve been gaining access to the Trump White House under a more populist, less press-club-centric approach to media. These briefings, meant to bypass what the administration has called “legacy media bias,” have drawn both praise and fierce criticism.

But this time, the moment went viral for a very different reason.

“What Direction Do You Advise Me to Go In?”

The headline moment came from Kambree Nelson, an ambassador for the America First Policy Institute and a longtime pro-Trump commentator. After criticizing the traditional press for their lack of coverage on President Trump’s recent activities, Nelson did something unprecedented—she asked the Press Secretary for direction on how to do her job.

“I’m kind of the nerd when it comes to reporting,” Nelson said. “I’m not the headline news girl. I’m the nuts-and-bolts, I’m the policy-type nerd. So what direction do you advise me to go into? Like the White House files that y’all send out every single day?”

The question, which on the surface appeared earnest, raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. For many, it blurred the lines between journalism and political cheerleading.

Leavitt’s Response: Praising Independent Media

Karoline Leavitt responded with grace—and strategy.

“I wish there were people in the legacy media that were like you,” Leavitt said, smiling. “And didn’t focus on the sensationalist headlines but actually cared about the facts. The president is doing so many phenomenal things every day that will never be mentioned on cable news at night … signing executive orders… we do our absolute best to message that.”

Leavitt went on to explain the rationale behind the administration’s embrace of social media influencers and independent voices. “That’s why we’re welcoming independent voices like yours with followings on social media. Because that’s the best way to get those truths and those facts out there.”

It was a nod to the administration’s broader media strategy: cut out the middlemen and talk directly to the public through platforms where Trump’s base already lives—Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok.

Critics Call It “State-Sponsored Spin”

The reaction from mainstream journalists was swift—and scathing.

“It’s one thing to be sympathetic to a politician,” said one veteran White House correspondent off-record. “It’s another thing entirely to ask them how you should do your job. This was less of a press briefing and more of a PR huddle.”

Media watchdogs warned that such exchanges erode the wall between government messaging and independent reporting. “When the press starts asking for marching orders, you no longer have a press—you have propaganda,” said a spokesperson for Media Matters.

Supporters See It Differently

But Trump allies and “new media” supporters saw the moment as refreshing and honest.

“She’s not pretending,” said conservative radio host Dana Loesch. “She’s not hiding behind faux objectivity. She’s saying what a lot of people in independent media already do—amplify the good policies coming out of this administration.”

And many praised Leavitt’s answer, framing it as a clean break from combative media briefings of the past. “Karoline handled it perfectly,” wrote conservative influencer Benny Johnson. “The corporate press hates her because she doesn’t need them.”

A Shift in the Media Landscape

The moment exemplifies a fundamental shift in political journalism. As traditional media outlets lose trust and relevance among large swaths of the public, particularly on the right, influencers and independent journalists are stepping in to fill that void. The Trump administration has not only acknowledged this shift—it has embraced it, even weaponized it.

The danger, critics argue, is that this new media approach, while democratizing in theory, lacks the editorial standards and accountability that come with traditional journalism.

Still, for many supporters of the “America First” movement, the press corps has never represented them. And hearing a reporter ask a press secretary for guidance isn’t seen as submissive—it’s seen as collaborative.

Conclusion: A Defining Media Moment in the Trump Era

In a single question—”What direction do you advise me to go in?”—Kambree Nelson exposed the fundamental tension at the heart of American journalism in the Trump era. Is the role of the media to hold power accountable? Or is it to amplify a message they agree with?

Depending on your political lens, the moment was either a journalistic disaster or a bold new model for 21st-century political communication.

Either way, it’s clear: in Trump’s Washington, the lines between reporter and advocate are no longer just blurred—they’re being redrawn entirely. And Karoline Leavitt, with her sharp messaging and unflappable delivery, is leading the charge.