The White House has reportedly received over 7,000 "new media" press pass applications so far, after press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Tuesday that the West Wing would accept applications from news organizations outside of the mainstream media.

President Donald Trump largely spurned traditional news outlets during his presidential campaign and teased opening the White House to alternative media outlets and podcasters if he was elected back to the Oval Office. 

Leavitt delivered on the promise in her first press briefing as press secretary, where she claimed all kinds of media professionals could apply for credentials. 

"We welcome independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers and content creators to apply for credentials to cover this White House," Leavitt said during the briefing. “As long as you are creating news content of the day and are a legitimate independent journalist, you are welcome to cover this White House." 

The White House itself has not commented on the sudden influx in applications, but The Hill newspaper reported on Wednesday that the office has received more than 7,000 requests for credentials so far. 

Leavitt said the seat in the front of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room that is often occupied by the press secretary's staffer will be called the "New Media Seat" where members of alternative media will sit if their applications are accepted to cover the White House.

Those interested in applying for credentials can do so at the White House's new media website.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.