White House Tightens Press Access Rules, Angers Reporters

By Sam Barron | Friday, 31 October 2025 10:38 PM EDT

The White House Correspondents’ Association has condemned a new policy restricting press access to the West Wing’s Upper Press area in Room 140, located near the Oval Office. The National Security Council issued a memo on Friday limiting entry to the space, requiring journalists to secure appointments for visits.

The policy, which took effect immediately, claims to protect sensitive materials handled by White House communications and National Security Council staff. Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, criticized the move, stating it undermines the press’s ability to question officials, ensure transparency, and hold the government accountable. “This restriction harms the American public’s right to information,” she said.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the rule, alleging reporters had been “ambushing” Cabinet secretaries in the area and secretly recording video and audio. He cited instances of unauthorized recordings of sensitive materials and journalists entering restricted zones. Cheung also claimed some reporters eavesdropped on private meetings, with officials encountering reporters waiting outside doors after closed-door discussions.

A similar restriction was imposed by President Bill Clinton in 1993 but was later reversed. Sam Barron has nearly two decades of experience covering politics, crime, and business.