Geoffrey Ingersoll, former editor-in-chief of The Daily Caller, strongly criticized White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's "new media" briefings with MAGA influencers. He argued these briefings are unproductive and negatively impact the conservative movement.
Ingersoll highlighted specific examples from the briefings, including softball questions and irrelevant inquiries, which he considered embarrassing and damaging to the White House's image. He described the interactions as "increasingly bile-inducing."
He cited questions like one about balancing parenthood and work, which he felt was inappropriate for such a setting and demonstrated a lack of curiosity from the influencers. Another instance involved a question about investigating past administrations, deemed unproductive by Ingersoll.
The White House defended the briefings, stating they aim to reach audiences where they are and will not be deterred by criticism.
Ingersoll proposed that the White House abandon the current format and instead engage with influencers on their individual platforms rather than hosting them for briefings. He advocated for greater selectivity and a higher standard of engagement.