White House Limits Journalists’ Access to West Wing Offices

Washington: The White House has announced new rules restricting journalists’ access to key West Wing offices, including those of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and her senior aides.

According to a National Security Council (NSC) memo, reporters will now need appointments before entering Room 140, known as “Upper Press.” The memo says the change is needed to protect sensitive material handled by the communications team.

The new rule ends a long tradition that allowed reporters to speak freely with senior officials near the Oval Office. Journalists say the restriction limits their ability to verify information and ask quick questions — a practice central to White House reporting for decades.

Deputy Press Secretary Steven Cheung defended the move on X (formerly Twitter), claiming some reporters had recorded videos and photos of private offices and even listened in on closed meetings without permission. He said the rule will prevent such behavior.

The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) strongly condemned the decision, calling it “a blow to transparency and accountability.” WHCA President Weijia Jiang said reporters must have access to the press secretary’s office to ensure open government.

Journalists will still be allowed in another designated workspace used by lower-level communications staff. However, the move adds to growing concerns about reduced media access under President Donald Trump’s current term.

Earlier this month, similar restrictions were introduced at the Pentagon, where reporters were told to sign new access agreements or lose their credentials. Major outlets like Reuters, the Associated Press, and Bloomberg News refused, saying the rules threatened independent journalism.

Press freedom groups are urging the White House to reverse the new policy, warning it sets a dangerous precedent for relations between the government and the media.

“When journalists can’t freely question officials in the nation’s most powerful building,” said one senior correspondent, “the public loses its right to know.”