JUST IN: Tim Pool Slams Media Orgs in White House Briefing Room While Questioning Karoline Leavitt

 

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

JUST IN: Tim Pool Slams Media Orgs in White House Briefing Room While Questioning Karoline Leavitt

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 22, 2025 — Independent journalist and podcast host Tim Pool (Timcast) made headlines today during a fiery exchange in the White House press briefing room, directly calling out legacy media organizations for what he called "false narratives" and "unprofessional behavior." Speaking from the new media seat, Pool challenged Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on media bias, disinformation, and the administration's plans to expand access to independent outlets.

Pool, known for his YouTube show Timcast IRL and The Culture War podcast, opened by criticizing major news networks over coverage of several controversial stories, including the “Very Fine People” hoax, the Covington Catholic incident, and what he referred to as the “Maryland Man Hoax” — involving an MS-13 gang member mischaracterized by some outlets.

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🗣️ Tim Pool: "Why Are Legacy Media Outlets Still Pushing Discredited Narratives?"

In front of a packed room of reporters, Pool asked:

"Many of the news organizations represented in this room have marched in lockstep on false narratives… Now, in an effort from the White House to expand access to new companies, you've created this new media seat. I'm wondering if you can comment on the unprofessional behavior of these legacy outlets — and whether there's a plan to continue expanding access to independent journalists."

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🎙️ Leavitt Responds: “We Welcome Unbiased Journalists Who Care About the Truth”

Karoline Leavitt thanked Pool for raising the issue, acknowledging the importance of diverse voices in the briefing room and reaffirming the administration's commitment to transparency:

“We certainly welcome diverse viewpoints… We want to welcome all viewpoints into this room. We welcome unbiased journalists who really care about the truth, facts, and accuracy.”

Leavitt also reiterated her prior stance on the Maryland case, stating:

“We have had all along the evidence that this individual was — and always has been — an illegal criminal, an MS-13 gang member, and a designated foreign terrorist.”

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📣 The Rise of Independent Media in Washington

Tim Pool's appearance marks a significant moment in the evolving landscape of political journalism. His seat in the newly created “new media” section of the briefing room symbolizes a growing effort to include non-traditional voices in daily press operations — a move applauded by critics of legacy media.

Pool has built a following of millions online, particularly among younger and politically independent audiences. His presence, along with other independent outlets recently invited to White House briefings, suggests the administration may be serious about reshaping how the press engages with government.

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📰 Why It Matters: Media Trust and Accountability

This moment underscores a larger shift in public trust away from traditional newsrooms toward independent creators, especially in politically polarized times. The White House's move to legitimize new media in official spaces signals a recognition of that trend — and a potential battle over who controls the national narrative.

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❓FAQs: Tim Pool Press Briefing Appearance

Q1. Who is Tim Pool?
Tim Pool is a political commentator, journalist, and host of the popular YouTube show Timcast IRL and the podcast The Culture War. He is known for his independent coverage of politics, culture, and media bias.

Q2. Why was Tim Pool at the White House briefing?
Tim Pool was invited to sit in the newly created "new media" seat at the White House press briefing to represent independent media and ask questions on behalf of his large online audience.

Q3. What did Tim Pool ask Karoline Leavitt?
Tim Pool questioned Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt about the media's role in spreading false narratives such as the “Very Fine People” hoax, the Covington Catholic incident, and the "Maryland man" coverage of an MS-13 gang member.

Q4. What is the ‘Maryland Man Hoax’?
The term refers to media coverage that labeled a confirmed MS-13 gang member as a "Maryland man," allegedly downplaying the individual’s criminal background and immigration status.

Q5. How did Karoline Leavitt respond to Tim Pool’s question?
Leavitt thanked Pool for his question, reaffirmed the administration’s stance on deporting criminal aliens, and emphasized the importance of welcoming diverse viewpoints, including independent journalists, into the briefing room.

Q6. What is the purpose of the “new media” seat at the White House?
The “new media” seat was created to include independent and digital media voices in White House briefings, offering an alternative to traditional mainstream outlets and promoting transparency.

Q7. Will the White House continue to invite independent journalists like Tim Pool?
According to Leavitt’s response, the administration plans to maintain and possibly expand access to new media voices to ensure a more diverse and truthful media environment.