Overview
- On Oct. 31, the White House and National Security Council made Room 140, the Upper Press area near the Oval Office, appointment-only, ending long-standing drop‑in access.
- In a Nov. 19 interview, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said reporters were caught recording and eavesdropping on staff conversations, a rationale Communications Director Steven Cheung also advanced.
- Leavitt said journalists can still meet with officials by scheduling time and claimed many privately accept the system if appointments remain available.
- The administration removed the press‑pool rotation from White House Correspondents’ Association oversight and brought selection under direct White House control.
- The White House said it is broadening some access by adding an independent‑media seat in the briefing room and a dedicated new‑media slot in the pool.