The White House has imposed new restrictions on reporters, denying them free access to the part of the building that houses Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt’s office, unless they first make an appointment with authorized staff.
The measure, which takes effect immediately, is the latest in a series of moves by the administration aimed at tighter control over the work of the media. Earlier this year, the Associated Press was kicked out of the so-called press pool, after he refused to change his style guide, while the White House later took control of the president’s media coverage schedule, choosing which newsrooms could attend events.
In a memo to reporters, Leavitt and Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, said the new ban was imposed for national security reasons, as communications team staff now work closely with the National Security Council and have access to classified information.
“In order to protect such material and maintain coordination between Council staff and the communications team, members of the media are no longer allowed access to Office 140 without prior approval,” Leavitt and Cheung said.
This change will significantly limit the ability of journalists to communicate directly with senior officials in charge of media relations and to quickly get reactions to the statements of President Donald Trump.
Until now, journalists had free passage from the press room to the upper part of the West Wing, known as the “Upper Press”, where the offices of the White House’s top spokespeople were located. That approach has been standard practice throughout multiple US administrations, including Biden, Obama, Bush and Trump’s first term.
The media will still be allowed access to the lower part of the press area, where lower-ranking spokespeople work.
The White House Journalists’ Association (WHCA) strongly reacted to the new decision, stating that it threatens transparency and makes it difficult to control the government.
– The new restrictions reduce the ability of journalists to ask questions, ensure accountability and inform the public – said WHCA President Weijia Jiang.
(Vijesti.ba)
