Overview

• The White House announced it will now determine the makeup of the press pool covering the president, replacing the long-standing role of the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA).
• Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the move aims to increase inclusivity, arguing that no single group of journalists should monopolize press access.
• The Associated Press, recently barred from covering certain presidential events, has filed a lawsuit challenging the administration's decision, citing First Amendment concerns.
• Critics, including WHCA and media analysts, warn the change undermines press independence and could lead to selective access based on favoritism.
• The administration has faced additional scrutiny for limiting press access at the Pentagon, where traditional media outlets have been excluded from briefings and spaces.