@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 ### Enhancements
 
 -   Columns: Remove the column count slider from the block settings ([#83262](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/pull/83262)).
+-   Media & Text: Lower the specificity of the content area's default padding so themes can override it, including through the block's custom CSS in `theme.json` ([#83563](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/pull/83563)).
 -   Gallery: Add an "Order by" sorting control to the static gallery mode, and consolidate sorting control for static and dynamic modes in the Settings panel ([#83438](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/pull/83438)).
 
 ### Bug Fixes
 
@@ -52,11 +52,15 @@
 	grid-column: 2;
 	grid-row: 1;
 	/*rtl:end:ignore*/
-	padding: 0 8% 0 8%;
 	// stylelint-disable-next-line declaration-property-value-keyword-no-deprecated -- Pending review of overflow-wrap alternative.
 	word-break: break-word;
 }
 
+// Zero specificity so the default padding can be overridden by theme.json or theme styles.
+:where(.wp-block-media-text > .wp-block-media-text__content) {
+	padding: 0 8%;
+}
+
 .wp-block-media-text.has-media-on-the-right > .wp-block-media-text__media {
 	/*rtl:begin:ignore*/
 	grid-column: 2;