The White House is considering significant alterations to the way press access is managed, with plans to broaden the group of reporters allowed in small group settings with President Donald Trump by taking control of the 'press pool.'
The press pool typically consists of rotating representatives from various media outlets such as television, print, radio, wire services, and still photography. These journalists accompany the president on Air Force One and in settings like the Oval Office or Roosevelt Room, sharing information through pool reports distributed via email.
During a recent press briefing, White House press secretary announced that the White House press team will now determine the composition of the press pool, a departure from the long-standing practice where the White House Correspondents Association selected journalists to ask questions in intimate settings with the president.
This decision follows a federal judge's ruling against temporarily reinstating the Associated Press' access to certain events involving President Trump. The press secretary emphasized that while traditional media outlets will still have access, new voices such as streaming services, radio hosts, and emerging media platforms will also be welcomed into the press pool.
No specific timeline or details regarding the new rotation process were provided, but the press secretary stressed the importance of diversifying the voices granted press access at the White House.
