White House Mocked for Telling Commentator Accused of Being Paid By Russia They 'Welcome Unbiased Journalists': 'While Banning AP?'

The White House has come under fire following new additions to the press room, including political commentator Tim Pool, who was praised as an "unbiased journalist"—despite accusations of his collusion with Russian state media.

Donning a black beanie, t-shirt and hoodie, Pool participated in his first White House press briefing on Tuesday. The controversial influencer asked Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to comment on plans to expand press room access and on the "unprofessional behavior" of other news organizations, which he described as pushing "false narratives."

"We welcome all viewpoints into this room," Leavitt replied, thanking Pool for the question. "We welcome unbiased journalists who really care about the truth and the facts and the accuracy."

Leavitt cited Pool's example as part of a broader shift toward media "diversity" in the briefing room. Online, users saw Pool's inclusion quite differently.

"They welcome diverse viewpoints, while banning AP from the press room?" one user posted, referencing the White House's decision to restrict access for several mainstream outlets.

Dozens of comments focused on accusations that Pool's content was funded by Russian state media.

"I didn't realize Russian spies were given press badges now..." one user quipped, with another asking, "Why is that unregistered foreign agent even allowed to be anywhere near the White House?"

"'Unbiased Journalist' who was paid by Russian state media employees to church out propaganda," accused another.

More than one comment asked if this was an SNL skit. One stated, "They finally invited the real clowns to the circus, I see," while others simply posted clown face emojis.

Still others struggled to find Pool's president amusing.

"This is so far beyond parody at this point, I don't know how these people say this out loud without becoming physically ill," a user wrote. "We're officially North Korea," another said.

Several users were incensed over the administration's warm embrace of Pool despite his casual attire, harkening to the disastrous February meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was berated for not wearing a suit.

"Asshole goes to press briefing with a hoodie & skully," one post read, while another asked, "Does he not own a suit?"

"How insecure is that dude that he can't even take his beanie off in the White House," a user questioned.

Critics also drew parallels to previous White House scandals planting propaganda agents in the briefing room.

"Anybody remember the Jeff Gannon scandal when the Bush administration planted a right-wing pundit in the press room?" one user asked. "It's that circus everyday with Trump."

While the administration touts Pool's inclusion as a push for media fairness, skeptics suggest it's simply state propaganda dressed down in a beanie.

"Plant, meet fertilizer," another snarked.