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Natalie Winters: Navigating the White House Press Corps and Conservative Media Landscape
In a scene highlighting her meticulous preferences, Natalie Winters, a White House correspondent making waves in conservative media, quickly requested bottled water as a waitress began to pour tap water at Butterworth’s. “No fluoride for our esteemed dinner guest!” she announced, gesturing towards the reporter. “Only filtered water and pesticide-free limes.” The setting was a Capitol Hill bistro increasingly favored by Washington’s political circles and recognized as a hub for supporters of President Trump.
A Capitol Hill Hub for Political Insiders
Butterworth’s has evolved into a prominent destination for allies and associates of President Trump. Stephen K. Bannon, Ms. Winters’ current superior at the “War Room” podcast, has previously organized private events at the restaurant. Adding to its conservative media connections, Raheem Kassam, her former editor-in-chief at The National Pulse, is reportedly an investor in the establishment. On the evening in question, the menu featured sophisticated dishes such as lamb tartare, oysters brûlée, and pork cheeks.
“War Room” Correspondent and Media Brand
Contrary to the expectation of a dinner meeting, Ms. Winters stated, “Honestly, I’m probably not going to eat because that’s my brand. I don’t eat at restaurants because I don’t like the seed oils that they use.” At just 24 years old, Ms. Winters has served as a White House correspondent since January 28, reporting for Stephen K. Bannon’s “War Room” podcast. Her reporting reaches a substantial audience, encompassing a large segment of the Republican base, high-ranking officials, and the president himself.
Emergence in the White House Press Briefing Room
Ms. Winters is part of a cohort of journalists from conservative media outlets who have gained national prominence in recent months. They are actively vying for positions within the constrained James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, has characterized long-established news organizations as increasingly irrelevant, accusing them of disseminating “falsehoods.”
While the White House Correspondents’ Association has voiced concerns regarding the current administration’s approach to the press, arguing it hinders independent journalism and prioritizes outlets favorable to President Trump, the elevation of nontraditional media has benefited figures like Ms. Winters. This also extends to journalists representing Breitbart News and Lindell TV, the platform founded by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell known for promoting conspiracy theories.
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Reporting Style and Political Stance
When not alongside Mr. Bannon in his Capitol Hill townhouse studio, Ms. Winters frequently addresses the “War Room” audience from outside the White House. She delivers unscripted monologues criticizing Democrats and occasionally, fellow journalists.
“It’s very gonzo, which I like,” she commented on her style. “I think of it as an I.Q. test every day.” Ms. Winters identifies as a “populist nationalist,” mirroring Mr. Bannon’s ideology. She expresses stronger disapproval for many Republicans than admiration, frequently criticizing party leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson while generally supporting Mr. Trump.
Ideology and Mentorship
“Even though I agree with most of what Trump does,” Ms. Winters clarified, “it’s because I ideologically agree with him. Not because I am a cultist.” She regards Mr. Bannon as not only her co-host and employer but also a mentor. During his imprisonment for defying a congressional subpoena related to the January 6th riot investigation, she was entrusted to host “War Room” in his absence.
Increased Visibility and Public Recognition
Since President Trump’s resurgence, Ms. Winters’ public profile has significantly risen, leading to recognition in public spaces such as restaurants and airports. She notes that her parents have expressed surprise at her often confrontational on-screen demeanor.
“It’s such a different version of myself than I am in my day-to-day life,” she reflected, adding, “I don’t even recognize myself.”
Early Life and Political Awakening
Raised in Santa Monica, California, Ms. Winters is the daughter of a physician and a stay-at-home mother. She attended Harvard-Westlake, a prestigious prep school in Los Angeles, and remained largely apolitical until the 2016 election cycle.
She perceived various school activities as imbued with liberal undertones and performative. A bake sale intended to raise awareness of the gender pay gap struck her as “just straight-up bogus.” Subsequently, a student walkout protesting gun violence after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, was viewed as a “school-sanctioned walkout,” prompting her to question, “What are you doing?”
High School Views and Early Career Steps
Her sole contribution to the high school newspaper was a letter advocating for Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation. This stance was met with disapproval on the predominantly liberal campus. Ms. Winters stated that her conservative viewpoints, particularly her support for Mr. Trump, led to ostracization by her peers.
“Maybe the trope that everything goes back to high school trauma is true,” she added, reflecting on the experience.
During her senior year, after gaining admission to the University of Chicago, she significantly reduced her class attendance. She chose to skip her high school graduation to intern for Mr. Kassam, then a “War Room” co-host, in Washington. She also missed her prom. “It was the best thing I ever did,” she asserted.
Rise at “War Room” Podcast
During her initial year of college, Ms. Winters became a staff writer for “War Room,” frequently commuting to Washington, D.C., instead of attending classes. “My best friend from college is, like, Steve,” she mentioned, referring to Mr. Bannon. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic marked her first on-camera appearance.
“The pandemic’s really where she got her sea legs,” Mr. Bannon commented in a phone interview, employing baseball terminology to describe Ms. Winters as “a five-tool player.”
Media Appearances and Core Identity
She has amplified her visibility through appearances on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” a YouTube talk show hosted by the former CNN personality. “She is always a lively and provocative contributor, even if I don’t agree with many of her views,” Mr. Morgan acknowledged via text message. However, Ms. Winters maintains that she would be content focusing on data analysis, “She’s essentially a nerd at heart,” Mr. Bannon stated.
Feud and Unique Position
A notable dispute within right-wing circles has emerged between Ms. Winters’s boss and Elon Musk, who, reportedly with presidential approval, has become integrated within the federal government. At the height of the discord, Mr. Bannon labeled Mr. Musk a “truly evil person.” Mr. Musk responded on X, stating, “Bannon is a great talker but not a great doer.”
This conflict places Ms. Winters in a distinctive position. Mr. Musk follows her on X, where she has 630,000 followers, and frequently reposts her content. She has publicly praised him and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency.
“I think I’m the only person who could bring them together and get peace,” she remarked, laughing.
Role as White House Correspondent and “Opposition Forces”
While serving as a White House correspondent, Ms. Winters’ role extends beyond reporting on President Trump’s executive actions. Her focus includes reporting and commenting on what she terms “opposition forces,” encompassing Democratic politicians, liberal organizations, and major news outlets.
Hugo Lowell, a White House correspondent for The Guardian, noted that Ms. Winters distinguishes herself from other reporters covering the beat due to her overt expression of political opinions integrated into her coverage. “But she’s good on TV,” Mr. Lowell added, “and she has built up an audience with Trump’s base that translates to a degree of influence in a fragmented media ecosystem.”
Press Club Rejection and Media Reception
Ms. Winters likened the White House briefing room environment to high school dynamics. “This is my first time in a professional setting where my MAGA royalty clout means nothing,” she observed.
Her outsider status was seemingly reinforced when the National Press Club denied her membership application. A spokesperson for the organization, founded in 1908, stated, “Decisions are made in alignment with the standards of journalism we uphold. We do not publicly comment on individual applications out of respect for all involved.”
According to Ms.Winters, many White House reporters from major news organizations avoid interaction with her, and several contacted for this article declined to comment. However, given her public criticism of mainstream media, labeling it as “ground zero of left-wing opposition to Trump,” a cool reception was perhaps anticipated.
Personal Habits and Brand
At Butterworth’s, Ms. Winters, consistent with her statement, consumed only bottled water during their three-hour conversation.
She mentioned having consumed alcohol only twice in her life and having never used drugs. She is also developing a lifestyle brand, featuring items such as a tank top emblazoned with “More insecure than the border” and a tote bag reading “A little conspiratorial.”
Media Consumption and Aspirations
MSNBC is her cable news channel of choice, watched partly for content generation. She mused that in an alternate career path, she might have become a poetry professor. “I always joke — in my day-to-day life, I really am a lib at heart,” she revealed.
She expressed admiration for the movie “Barbie,” particularly agreeing with America Ferrera’s monologue about the challenges of womanhood. However, Ms. Winters qualified, “It’s also really hard to be a man.” She added that numerous younger women have sought her advice, not only regarding career matters but also seeking guidance on emulating her.
Dating Views and Ambition
Aligning with a growing Gen-Z trend, she is “anti-app,” referring to dating applications. She expressed a desire to settle down with a man to whom she can be “submissive.” Past relationship disappointments, she noted, have fueled her professional ambitions.
“I was like, ‘I’m going to get revenge,’” she recounted. “You can watch me on TV being the next big deal.’”