Overview

• The White House is poised to take control of the press briefing room seating chart, traditionally managed by the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA).
• The new seating arrangement will prioritize metrics reflecting modern media consumption, favoring digital outlets, influencers, and newer organizations like Axios and Punchbowl over some legacy media.
• The WHCA has condemned the move, warning it undermines press independence and could be used to penalize critical outlets.
• This follows the administration's earlier takeover of press pool assignments, which excluded outlets like the Associated Press, now suing the White House for alleged First and Fifth Amendment violations.
• The WHCA is exploring potential responses, including a sit-in protest, as tensions over press access and freedom continue to mount.