Who coined the term muckrackers?

The term "muckrakers" was coined by President Theodore Roosevelt in a speech in 1906. He used it to describe journalists and writers who exposed corruption, social injustices, and corporate wrongdoing during the Progressive Era. The term was derived from the character in John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," who was so focused on raking muck that he ignored the treasures above. While initially used pejoratively, muckrakers played a crucial role in promoting reform and accountability in American society.