Dive into the White House Watch newsletter at no cost.
Your insider’s look at what the 2024 U.S. election means for both Washington and the broader world.
The White House has decided to take charge of choosing the reporters who will get the closest access to Donald Trump. This marks a departure from the long-standing tradition where a group of journalists, for decades, has determined the so-called “pool” that covers U.S. presidents.
This change was revealed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a Tuesday briefing. She highlighted that her team will now decide who gains the rare and limited access to areas like Air Force One and the Oval Office.
“We aim to empower you, the audience who reads, watches, and listens,” Leavitt explained, emphasizing that this shift is about welcoming “new voices” alongside the “legacy media” organizations in the coverage of Trump.
In his own words, Trump told reporters, “we’re taking the lead on these decisions.”
This decision overturns the existing setup managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association, a century-old body that organizes a rotation of media outlets for pool participation.
The association offers unique access to U.S. presidents both within Washington and during trips domestically and abroad.
“This action challenges the independence of a free press in America,” said the White House Correspondents’ Association on Tuesday. The group, which includes journalists from outlets like the Financial Times, voiced concern.
“It suggests that the government will now decide which journalists report on the president. In a democracy, leaders shouldn’t get to pick their press.”
This move is fueling worries that Trump may be swiftly working to erode key norms and democratic institutions in the U.S.
In addition, steps have already been taken by the White House to exert greater control over independent governmental agencies, remove civil servants who dissent, and dismiss officials appointed under former President Joe Biden.
Throughout his political journey, Trump has frequently criticized traditional media, branding them as “fake news” and “enemies of the people.”
Recently in his second term, Trump’s administration has barred the Associated Press from pool access due to its refusal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a directive he issued after re-taking office.
The AP has responded with a lawsuit against the White House, arguing its exclusion violates the constitutional right to free speech. However, a federal judge sided with Trump on Monday, ruling that the AP isn’t experiencing “irreparable harm” from its exclusion.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Leavitt expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision, underscoring the idea that questioning the president in restricted spaces is “a privilege granted to few,” and not a universal legal right.
