White House 'influencer briefings' bring conspiracy theorists, former Trump officials

Attendees at the first three White House "influencer briefings" show an overwhelming right-leaning guest list.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried something new on Monday.

Instead of just addressing credentialed journalists in the storied White House briefing room, she held a separate “influencer briefing” for 10 people.

“Tens of millions of Americans are now turning to social media and independent media outlets to consume their news, and we are embracing that change, not ignoring it,” she said during her seven-minute introductory remarks. “All journalists, outlets and voices have a seat at the table now, and you being here today for this briefing proves that.”

But as the new briefings continued through the week, it became clear that a very specific group was being given the special access.

Of the 25 influencers identified by NBC News who attended the briefings, all but one have a history of explicit support for President Donald Trump’s administration, and some had direct connections to Trump — through either previously working in his administration, or maintaining a personal connection with his family or members of his Cabinet.