The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) issued a statement in response to President Biden's recent interactions with reporters during the G-7 Summit in Italy. The president signed a 10-year agreement with Ukraine to provide military equipment for its conflict with Russia. During a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden expressed frustration when reporters asked off-topic questions.
At the conference, Biden emphasized the critical situation in Ukraine and expressed his willingness to address other topics later. The WHCA defended the independence of the press to ask questions without preconditions, stating that it is essential for the public interest. The association highlighted that while the White House determines the number of reporters recognized, journalists have the autonomy to decide what to ask.
Biden's interactions with the press have been marked by instances of hostility, particularly towards questions that he deems controversial or off-the-cuff. The president has faced criticism for allegedly pre-screening reporters and questions before news conferences. A photograph from a press conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in April 2023 showed a small cheat-sheet in Biden's hand, indicating a pre-planned question.
The WHCA expressed a desire for more opportunities to pose a range of questions to the president during press conferences. The association underscored the importance of a free press that functions independently, emphasizing the role of professional journalists in determining the topics of inquiry.
While the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the recent incident, the WHCA's statement serves as a reminder of the principles of press freedom and the importance of journalists' role in holding leaders accountable.
