The White House announced this Friday that accredited journalists will only be able to access the offices of the main communication officials of the U.S. presidential office with a prior appointment to limit media access to 'sensitive information.'A memorandum published today by the National Security Council (NSC) of U.S. President Donald Trump prohibits access to White House press accreditation holders to Room 140 of the West Wing, also known as the 'upper press room,' without a prior appointment.This room is located next to the Oval Office and is where the main communication officials of the White House work, such as Director of Communications Steven Cheung and spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.It is customary for journalists to approach the room to try to chat directly with these officials.The NSC's argument is that 'the White House communication staff routinely handles sensitive information.'The text emphasizes that journalists can continue to interact freely with the White House press advisors in the so-called 'lower press room' of the Presidential Office.'Some reporters have been caught secretly recording video and audio of our offices, as well as taking photographs of confidential information, without authorization.Some reporters have entered restricted areas (our offices are just a few meters from the Oval Office),' wrote Steven Cheung himself today on social media X to justify the measure.Cheung, who has extensive experience in political communication and was communications chief for Trump's campaign in the 2024 presidential election, also stated that some reporters 'have been caught eavesdropping on private closed-door meetings' and that 'Cabinet secretaries often come to our office for private meetings, only to be approached by reporters waiting outside.'Meanwhile, the White House Correspondents' Association explained in a statement that it 'strongly opposes any attempt to limit journalists' access to the areas of the White House communications operations that have long been open for news coverage.'The new restrictions 'make it more difficult for the press to question officials, ensure transparency, and hold the government accountable, to the detriment of the American public,' the text adds.
