Journalists will be selectively chosen for close access to the White House, intensifying tensions between Donald Trump and the media. His team announced handpicking members of the press pool, which traditionally includes journalists granted privileged access. The White House Correspondents’ Association, responsible for managing this pool, expressed concerns over media selection. Notable incidents include Trump’s interactions with supportive media figures and his criticism of outlets like the Associated Press, highlighting a contentious media landscape during his presidency.
Journalists are set to be selectively chosen at the White House. The already fraught relationship between Donald Trump and the media is poised to become even more contentious. On Tuesday, his team announced that they would be handpicking the limited number of journalists who will have close access to the president, a move that is without precedent in American history.
Understanding the Press Pool Dynamics
Central to the rising tensions is the makeup of the ‘press pool.’ This exclusive group of journalists enjoys privileged access to the President of the United States throughout his term, regardless of whether he is a Democrat or a Republican. Members of this pool are granted entry to the Oval Office during press conferences, such as the one held with Emmanuel Macron recently. They also get to travel on ‘Air Force One.’
The Role and Challenges of the White House Correspondents’ Association
Historically, the composition of this press pool has been managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), an organization established in 1914 to oversee the operations of journalists accompanying the president during public appearances, both domestically and abroad. This association is also responsible for allocating seats for the press on Air Force One and in the White House press room.
Essentially, the press pool is tasked with conveying news about the president’s actions and statements to journalists who are not present. They do this through written reports, as well as audio and video broadcasts, and photographs.
“We are returning power to the people,” stated White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, emphasizing that “hundreds” of journalists deserve access to the president. However, the WHCA expressed concerns, stating, “In a free country, leaders do not select the media.” Their apprehension is justified, especially considering the barrage of criticism Trump has directed at the press, labeling them as “enemies of the people” and suggesting he wouldn’t mind if someone were to harm them. Throughout his presidency, he has permitted hosts, podcasters, and influencers who resonate with his base to access his inner circle.
Two anecdotes highlight this evolving relationship: During a recent Oval Office meeting, Trump offered reporters red caps inscribed with “Trump was right about everything.” Only Brian Glenn, a prominent figure within the Trumpist “MAGA” movement and a host on the ‘Right Side Broadcasting Network’, accepted the cap, expressing, “I have been saying you are right since day one.”
Another notable incident involves the Associated Press (AP), which was once part of the inner circle of journalists closest to the president but is now excluded. The Trump administration criticized the AP for not adopting the new designation for the Gulf of Mexico, which Trump renamed “Gulf of America.” On the same day, he labeled the agency as “left-wing extremists” and “second-rate journalists.”
For seasoned members of the presidential press corps, this tightening of media access comes as no surprise. In 2018, Trump revoked the credentials of Jim Acosta, a well-known correspondent for CNN. Even before potentially returning to power in September 2023, Trump warned, “The fake news media should pay a high price for what they have done to our once great country!”