US government restricts access to the White House for journalists

The US government has restricted journalists' access to the offices of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and other high-ranking officials. According to a National Security Council memorandum released Friday, accredited journalists now require an appointment to access the area known as the "Upper Press." The measure was cited as the protection of sensitive information and took effect immediately.

The memo stated that structural changes meant press office staff routinely came into contact with sensitive material. To protect this material, access for press representatives without a prior appointment was no longer permitted.

Until now, journalists could enter room 140, located near the president's office, even at short notice, to speak with Leavitt, her deputy Steven Cheung, or other senior staff members. The White House Correspondents' Association, which represents journalists, could not be reached for immediate comment.

The measure follows similar restrictions imposed by the US Department of Defense earlier this month. The Pentagon is requiring news organizations to sign a new policy, or face the loss of their accreditation and jobs within the department. The signature would confirm that the media outlets would be considered a security risk and could have their Pentagon press credentials revoked if they solicit classified information from department employees. At least 30 news organizations, including Reuters, refused, citing press freedom.

Several months ago, the administration of President Donald Trump removed the news agencies Reuters, Associated Press and Bloomberg News from the permanent “reporter pool” that accompanies the president.