Freedom of the press in danger: Trump limits access for journalists!

Freedom of the press in danger: Trump limits access for journalists!

The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) has decided to defend itself against the planned measures of the Trump government to control the media. In an email, the WHCA chairman Eugene Daniels made it clear that the association would not support any attempts to undermine independent reporting. This procedure that aims to take control of the correspondent pool is seen as a danger to freedom of the press. Radio Gütersloh reports that the correspondent-pool Rotating selection of journalists has existed, previously managed by the WHCA. These journalists are crucial because they pass on information to all accredited members.

The new regulation announced by Trump's spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt gives the White House control over the selection of journalists in the correspondent pool. Critics fear that this could lead to unpleasant journalists being replaced by benevolent media representatives. Daniels also found that the WHCA can no longer guarantee that proven standards are observed in reporting, since the communication chain is interrupted between the reporters.

Integration of the Trump government in media access

In a comprehensive change, the US government will in future decide which media will have access to events and trips from the president. Press spokeswoman Leavitt said that the White House press team would make these decisions. This measure was called the "democratization" of the media access, whereby it was emphasized that traditional media should continue to remain access. At the same time, "meritorious media" that were not in the press pool should also be taken into account. According to taz.de this is a clear change of course that changes the previously monitored assignment of press access.

The WHCA is an independent journalist association that has chosen journalists for the press pool for decades. Eugene Daniels criticized the new regulations and described them as undermining the independence of the press. FOX-News reporter Jacqui Heinrich also expressed that this measure gives the White House more power.

conflict between the government and the AP

Another point that contributes to the tense situation is a legal dispute between the US government and the Associated Press (AP) news agency. This refused to call the Gulf of Mexico as a "Gulf of America", which led to an access deprivation for AP reporters. In February 2025, AP was permanently banished from Trump's office and the presidential machine. The agency complains against this decision because it represents a violation of the first addition of the US constitution. A judge rejected an urgent application from AP, but ordered a hearing for March 20, as reported on pro-mediamagazin.de

Overall, it can be seen that the measures of the Trump government in relation to the media could have access and report on the freedom of the press. The WHCA will continue to stand up for independent and fair reporting and denounce the challenges that arise from this political intervention.