The group representing White House journalists expressed their concerns on Monday over the Trump administration’s decision to prevent any wire service news reporters from accompanying the president on Air Force One to the Middle East.
No reporters from major outlets like The Associated Press, Bloomberg, or Reuters were allowed on the plane, depriving the press corps of the opportunity to pose questions to the president during the journey.
The White House Correspondents’ Association issued a statement condemning the move, emphasizing the importance of these news organizations in ensuring widespread and timely coverage of presidential activities. They highlighted the role wire services play in disseminating information quickly to a vast audience, making it essential for all Americans to have equal access to news about the presidency.
The White House has been fighting in court with the AP, after the news service was blocked from covering smaller “pool” events when it decided not to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America, as Trump had called for in an executive order.
In response to a ruling in that case, the White House instituted a new media policy that lumped the wire services in with print reporters in a rotation for space on Air Force One or Oval Office events. A Reuters reporter accompanied the president when he traveled to Pope Francis’ funeral.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not return messages seeking comment.
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