Overview
- A National Security Council memorandum issued Friday now requires accredited journalists to schedule appointments to enter Room 140, the Upper Press area near the president's office.
- The policy took effect immediately, replacing prior practice that allowed reporters to drop in to speak with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, deputy Steven Cheung, or other senior aides.
- The White House characterizes the shift as a security measure to safeguard confidential files handled by press staff who also manage NSC communications.
- The White House Correspondents' Association and multiple news organizations criticize the restriction as limiting routine questioning and reducing transparency.
- The move follows broader access disputes, including a Pentagon demand for new accreditation agreements that at least 30 outlets, including Reuters, refused, and earlier removals of Reuters, AP and Bloomberg from the presidential pool.