Reversing decades of precedent, the White House Correspondents Association announced Wednesday that it would no longer coordinate shared coverage of President Donald Trump in an escalating dispute over press access to official events.
The Association's Decision
The association, representing over 60 news organizations that cover the president, declared it would no longer manage the rotating reporters at White House events or compile shared news accounts.
“This board will not assist any attempt by this administration or any other in taking over independent press coverage of the White House,” stated WHCA President Eugene Daniels.
The White House's Exclusion
The White House's exclusion of certain organizations from events led to the association's decision, viewing it as an attack on press freedom.
“WHCA cannot ensure that the reports filed by government-selected poolers will meet our longstanding standards,” Daniels expressed.
The administration's recent actions have sparked concerns within the press corps about the future handling of presidential coverage.
Freedom of the Press
Daniels emphasized the importance of a free press, highlighting the risks of government interference in journalist selection.
“In a free society, leaders must not choose their own press corps,” he insisted.
As debates continue, the annual White House Correspondents Dinner remains scheduled for April 26.