The White House under President Donald Trump has imposed new restrictions on press access, barring reporters from a key section of the White House press office without prior approval. Officials cited concerns over the handling of “sensitive material” as the justification for limiting journalistic access.

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What the New Restrictions Entail

A memorandum issued by the National Security Council (NSC) on Friday directed White House Communications Director Steven Cheung and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to enforce the policy. The memo stated:

“Members of the press are no longer permitted to access Room 140 without prior approval in the form of an appointment with an authorized White House staff member.”

Room 140, located near the Oval Office and commonly referred to as “Upper Press,” has historically been an accessible area where credentialed journalists could quickly meet with press officials, including Leavitt and Cheung, to ask questions and cover breaking news.

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Reasoning Behind the Move

The NSC cited structural changes within its offices, noting that White House communications staff now “routinely engage with sensitive material.” By requiring journalists to schedule appointments in advance, the administration argues it can better protect classified or sensitive information and maintain coordination between communications and national security teams.

This restriction reflects a broader trend of limiting press access to federal offices where sensitive or high-level discussions occur.

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Broader Context: Press Access Under the Trump Administration

This move follows similar restrictions implemented earlier this month at the Department of Defense (DoD), which forced dozens of journalists to vacate Pentagon offices and return their press credentials.

• The DoD now requires journalists to sign policies acknowledging new access rules.
• Failure to comply could result in badge revocation or being labeled a security risk.
• At least 30 media organizations refused to comply, citing threats to press freedom and independent newsgathering.

Within the White House, some major news outlets—including Reuters, The Associated Press, and Bloomberg News—have already been removed from the permanent pool of reporters covering the president, though they retain sporadic access.

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Implications for Press Freedom

The White House Correspondents Association (WHCA), which advocates for reporters’ access to the president and senior staff, has not yet commented on the new restrictions.

Critics argue that limiting access to press offices:

• Reduces transparency in government communications.
• Makes it harder for journalists to provide real-time coverage.
• Sets a precedent for restricting press freedom in areas deemed “sensitive.”

Journalists previously relied on quick, unscheduled access to Room 140 to hold officials accountable and report accurately on unfolding events. With the new rules, opportunities for spontaneous reporting may be curtailed.

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Conclusion: Tightening Press Access Amid Broader Restrictions

The Trump administration’s decision to restrict access to Room 140 marks a continued tightening of press oversight within federal institutions. Combined with Pentagon restrictions and removal of major outlets from the White House press pool, these moves reflect a broader pattern of limiting real-time access to senior officials.

Observers warn that these policies could weaken transparency, limit public accountability, and heighten tensions between the White House and the press corps.