Overview

• The White House will implement its own seating chart for the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, taking over a role historically managed by the WHCA.
• The new arrangement will prioritize digital outlets and influencers based on modern media consumption metrics, reducing the prominence of some legacy media outlets.
• This follows the administration's earlier move to take control of press pool selection for events, leading to criticism about press freedom and independence.
• The Associated Press has filed a legal challenge to regain access to pooled events after being excluded under the new system.
• The WHCA has canceled a planned comedic performance at its annual dinner, emphasizing journalistic integrity and independence in response to these developments.