Trump administration restricts reporters’ access to white house press area
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has barred journalists from accessing a key section of the White House press office without prior appointments, citing the need to protect “sensitive material.”
Under the new policy announced on Friday, reporters without prior approval can no longer enter the Upper Press area of the West Wing home to the office of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the decision, claiming without providing evidence that some journalists had been “ambushing” cabinet secretaries and secretly recording conversations in the area.
A memorandum from the White House National Security Council (NSC), addressed to Leavitt and Cheung, stated that the measure was aimed at “protecting sensitive material from unauthorized disclosure in Upper Press.”
“This memorandum directs the prohibition of press passholders from accessing ‘Upper Press,’ which is situated adjacent to the Oval Office, without an appointment,” the memo read.
The new rule adds to a series of restrictions the Trump administration has recently introduced against the media. Earlier this month, several major outlets including Agence France-Presse (AFP) refused to sign new Pentagon media access rules they described as overly limiting.
Until now, White House reporters had been able to freely enter the Upper Press section to speak directly with Leavitt or senior press officers to verify or seek additional information.
The memo noted, however, that journalists would still be allowed to access the Lower Press area, located next to the White House briefing room, where junior press staff work.
