The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has issued a strong statement condemning new restrictions that limit journalists’ access to the Press Secretary’s office and the Upper Press area of the West Wing, calling the move a blow to transparency and accountability.
“The White House Correspondents’ Association unequivocally opposes any effort to limit journalists from areas within the communications operations of the White House that have long been open for newsgathering, including the press secretary’s office,” said Weijia Jiang, WHCA President.
Jiang warned that the new restrictions “hinder the press corps’ ability to question officials, ensure transparency, and hold the government accountable, to the detriment of the American public.”
The WHCA statement follows the announcement of a new White House access rule requiring all journalists to make appointments before entering Room 140 — the “Upper Press” area located adjacent to the Oval Office.
The change, detailed in a memo from the National Security Council (NSC) sent to Steven Cheung, Assistant to the President and White House Communications Director, and Karoline Leavitt, Assistant to the President and White House Press Secretary, cites national security as the reason for the new policy.
“This memorandum directs the prohibition of press passholders from accessing Room 140 in the West Wing, also known as ‘Upper Press,’ which is situated adjacent to the Oval Office, without an appointment,” the NSC memo states. “This policy will ensure adherence to best practices pertaining to access to sensitive material.”
The memo further explains that following recent structural changes within the National Security Council, the White House now oversees communications on all national security matters. Because staff in the Upper Press area are “routinely engaging with sensitive material,” the NSC argues, unscheduled reporter access poses potential risks.
While journalists will still be allowed to interact freely with press aides in the Lower Press area, near the James S. Brady Briefing Room, ad hoc visits to the Press Secretary’s office or Upper Press are now prohibited.
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