Overview
- The Trump administration has assumed control over selecting members of the White House press pool, a role traditionally managed by the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA).
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the change was intended to diversify media access, but critics argue it compromises press independence.
- HuffPost and Reuters were removed from recent press pool rotations, with spots given to outlets like The Blaze and Newsmax, raising concerns of favoritism.
- The Associated Press, barred from events over its refusal to adopt the term 'Gulf of America,' has filed a lawsuit challenging its exclusion.
- WHCA President Eugene Daniels warned that the administration's actions undermine a free press and allow the government to control media narratives.