In a striking departure from his predecessor’s approach, President Donald Trump engaged with the press more extensively in his first hours back in office than former President Joe Biden did throughout his entire first week, according to an analysis by the Daily Caller.
At 78, Trump conducted a 48-minute session in the Oval Office during his first day, fielding 75 questions and follow-ups while signing executive orders. The comparison between the new president and his predecessor were astounding.
The Daily Caller writes:
Though Biden interacted frequently with the press during his first three months, he often only took one or two questions at a time. The former president held his first press conference on March 25, taking 10 questions for an hour and two minutes. The reporters called on during that presser appeared to be pre-selected by the White House, as Biden read out the name of reporters meant to ask questions from a cheat sheet on his dais. Though Trump is yet to hold a “formal” press conference in his second term, he has used several opportunities to host extended question-and-answer sessions with members of the media.
On his first day in office, Trump engaged in back-and-forth with the press while signing a batch of executive orders. The following day, after announcing a new AI infrastructure deal, the president took questions for 29 minutes. The questions spanned a variety of topics, including the Russia-Ukraine war, his Jan. 6 pardons, potential TikTok deals and the safety of his inauguration.
Trump had no list of pre-selected reporters during any of his interactions with the press, instead calling on individuals of his choosing.
While Trump did not make any public appearances on Wednesday, the third day of his second term, he did do his first sit-down interview of his presidency with Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also been more active than her predecessor. She briefed reporters twice that week, underscoring the administration’s open communication approach.
Just now new White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt holds brief gaggle with reporters outside West Wing in very frigid temps! pic.twitter.com/Q5vfD5xp6Q
— Owen Jensen (@owentjensen) January 22, 2025
Leavitt also emphasized the administration’s fast-paced start, stating, “This president has done more in 100 hours than his predecessor Biden did in the first 100 days.”
Trump’s vigorous media engagement in the early days of his second term underscores a sharp contrast in tone and strategy from the previous administration, signaling a dynamic and accessible presidency moving forward.