Overview
- A memo issued Oct. 31 bars credentialed reporters from entering Room 140, the Upper Press, without a scheduled approval, with routine access limited to the Lower Press.
- The rule took effect immediately upon publication of the memorandum, according to reports citing the document.
- White House communications director Steven Cheung defended the change, alleging some reporters ambushed staff and secretly recorded video, audio, and images, though no outlets were named.
- The White House Correspondents’ Association condemned the restriction as a setback for transparency and effective oversight of the presidency.
- Officials linked the shift to increased handling of confidential materials after NSC reorganization under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as broader press access has also tightened through disputed Pentagon rules and earlier changes to the presidential press pool.