United States President Donald Trump’s administration has barred reporters from accessing part of the White House press office without an appointment, citing the need to protect “sensitive material”.
In a memorandum issued on Friday to White House Communications Director Steven Cheung and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the National Security Council (NSC) stated that journalists are “no longer permitted” to visit a section where Leavitt’s office is located, “without prior approval in the form of an appointment”.
The NSC explained that the change was prompted by structural adjustments within the council, meaning White House communications officials are now “routinely engaging with sensitive material.” To safeguard this material and maintain coordination between National Security Council Staff and White House Communications Staff, the memo specified that members of the press are prohibited from accessing Room 140—known as “Upper Press”—without prior approval from an authorized White House staff member.
This White House restriction follows similar limitations imposed earlier this month on reporters working at the Department of Defense. Those changes led dozens of journalists to vacate their offices within the Pentagon and return their press credentials in protest.
Previously, credentialed White House journalists could access Room 140 on short notice to speak with Press Secretary Leavitt, her deputy Cheung, and other senior officials. The hallway is located close to the Oval Office and served as a key point for informal interactions between the press and communications staff.
The White House Correspondents Association, which represents journalists covering the White House, could not be reached for immediate comment on the new policy.
It is worth noting that the Trump administration had already removed Reuters, The Associated Press, and Bloomberg News from the permanent “pool” of reporters covering the president months ago. However, those outlets were still allowed to participate on a less frequent basis.
Friday’s announcement closely follows the Pentagon’s crackdown on press access. The Department of Defense now requires news outlets to sign a new policy agreeing to tighter restrictions or face loss of access to press credentials and workspace inside the Pentagon.
At least 30 news organizations have declined to accept these Pentagon restrictions, citing concerns over press freedom and the ability to conduct independent journalism.
The new Pentagon policy mandates that journalists acknowledge several conditions, including the possibility of being branded security risks and having their Pentagon press badges revoked if they request classified or certain unclassified information from department employees.
These moves signal increased limitations on press access within key government areas under the Trump administration, raising questions about transparency and media freedom.
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