In President Donald Trump's second term, the White House Press Office has opened the briefing room to members of the "new media," including influencers and podcasters who don't work for traditional media outlets.

On Tuesday, the conservative influencer Benny Johnson got the opportunity to ask a question to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt that induced facepalms across social media.

Johnson's question was related to the carjacking last week of "Big Balls," the DOGE staffer whose real name is Edward Coristine.

"Given the heroic actions of a member of this administration just a few blocks from this building, will the president consider giving the presidential medal of freedom to Big Balls?

Leavitt laughed.

"I haven't spoken to him about that but perhaps it's something he will consider. I'll ask him and get back to you, Benny."

Liberals and Trump critics mocked Johnson, who has millions of social media followers.

"If we were living on the inside of a sketch comedy show, how would we know?" tweeted the liberal influencer JoJoFromJerz, real name Joanne Carducci.

"This was a great SNL skit," tweeted the Blue Georgia account on X.

Another user lamented how Johnson used his opportunity and:

"Peak clown show," added another user.

A third said he felt "sad and embarrassed for the journalists" at the press briefing Tuesday.

Johnson "had the privilege to ask a question and this is the question he asked, why should we take these people seriously," tweeted DJ Omega MVP. "I feel bad and embarrassed for the journalists in that room."