Why did Theodore Roosevelt call socially conscious writers muckraker?

Theodore Roosevelt referred to socially conscious writers as "muckrakers" to highlight their role in exposing societal issues and corruption, much like a rake that gathers muck. He initially used the term in a speech in 1906, acknowledging their investigative journalism while also implying they were overly focused on the negative aspects of society. Roosevelt believed that while their work was essential for reform, it sometimes lacked a balanced perspective. Thus, the term carried both admiration for their efforts and a critique of their methods.