WASHINGTON, DC—President Donald Trump has decided to replace the infamous gaslight, which had served as an unconventional press secretary for years, with Karoline Leavitt, a human who promises to actually answer questions directly. The change has left many journalists in a state of bewilderment and fear, accustomed as they were to the previous administration’s approach to transparency.

For years, the gaslight, a fixture in the White House briefing room, symbolized the administration’s communication strategy. It would flicker ominously, occasionally emit smoke, but never provided clear answers or statements, leaving journalists to interpret its signals or fill in the blanks themselves. This metaphorical approach had become a staple under Trump’s previous terms, often described as a masterclass in obfuscation.

However, with Leavitt’s appointment, announced late Tuesday, the narrative has dramatically shifted. During her first briefing, Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary in history, stated her commitment to transparency and invited new media voices into the press room, promising to restore press passes that were previously revoked and to expand coverage to include podcasters and social media influencers. “It’s essential to our team that we share President Trump’s message everywhere and adapt this White House to the new media landscape in 2025,” she said, emphasizing a new era of openness.

The reaction from journalists has been mixed but predominantly one of horror and confusion. Some reporters expressed concerns over the potential for direct, unfiltered truth from the administration, which they’ve become unaccustomed to handling. “We’ve been dealing with a gaslight for so long, it’s almost terrifying to face someone who might give us straight answers,” remarked one veteran journalist, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the shift.

Critics argue that this change could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it promises clarity and accountability, potentially leading to more informed public discourse. On the other, it challenges the established narrative where journalists could project their interpretations onto the administration’s ambiguous communications. “The gaslight was our bread and butter for headlines,” another journalist noted. “Now, we have to genuinely report on what’s said, not what we think might have been implied.”

The White House has also announced that the briefing room will undergo changes to reflect this new policy. A seat has been designated for “new media,” aiming to include voices from platforms like TikTok, blogs, and podcasts, which was seen by some as a nod to modern journalism but decried by others as a further dilution of traditional media’s role.

As the dust settles on this unprecedented move, the journalism community is left grappling with a new reality. While some see it as a step towards a more transparent government, others are horrified at the prospect of losing the creative license that came with interpreting the gaslight’s flicker. For now, the press corps must adapt to this human element, which, for better or worse, might just redefine their relationship with the White House.

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