Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Asserts White House Control Over Press Access
Washington DC [US], February 26: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has doubled down on the Biden administration’s decision to bar The Associated Press (AP) from select White House events, declaring that access to question President Donald Trump is a privilege, not a legal right.
Leavitt’s remarks came after a federal judge rejected AP’s emergency motion for a restraining order against her and top White House officials, reinforcing the administration’s authority to control press access.
“The judge’s ruling upholds our decision to deny the Associated Press such privileged access and reiterates what I said from this podium last week: Asking the President of the United States questions in limited spaces—such as the Oval Office or Air Force One—is a privilege, not a legal right,” Leavitt stated during Tuesday’s press briefing.
White House Defends Restricting Press Access
Leavitt further criticized the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), arguing that many journalists never get the chance to question the president and that limiting access to legacy media outlets ensures greater fairness.
“There are hundreds of journalists who show up to this building every day and are not granted the luxury of flying on Air Force One or asking President Trump questions. We want to ensure that everyone has a seat at that highly coveted table,” she said.
Despite her claims of fairness, the decision to remove AP from certain White House events and presidential travel has drawn intense backlash from media organizations and press freedom advocates.
Press Freedom Concerns: WHCA Condemns Move
The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) strongly condemned the administration’s move, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom in the U.S.
“This move tears at the independence of a free press in the United States. It suggests the government will choose the journalists who cover the president. In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps,” the WHCA stated.
The decision has sparked widespread debate over media rights, transparency, and government control over press access.
AP Ban Signals Shift in White House Press Strategy
While the White House maintains that this is about diversifying media representation, critics argue that it reflects an increasingly selective approach to press engagement under Trump’s administration.
With legal battles and public scrutiny mounting, the controversy surrounding media access to the president is expected to remain a major flashpoint in the ongoing battle between the press and the White House.
📌 “This is about ensuring fairness, not limiting press freedom,” Leavitt reiterated.