White House Moves to Pick the Pool Reporters Who Cover Trump

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, announced on Tuesday that the Trump administration would begin selecting which media outlets could participate in the presidential pool, a small group of journalists who report on the president’s daily activities to the public.

This change, breaking decades of tradition, was met with criticism from the White House Correspondents’ Association, which has historically determined the composition of the daily pool.

The pool format is used to ensure accurate reporting of the president’s remarks, especially in smaller settings like the Oval Office where not all reporters can fit. The pool reporters share their observations in “pool reports” distributed to a wider group of journalists covering the president’s activities.

Typically, the pool consists of journalists from major organizations like CNN, Reuters, The Associated Press, ABC News, Fox News, and The New York Times.

According to Ms. Leavitt, the new policy aims to involve “new media” outlets, such as digital platforms, streaming services, and podcasts, in the reporting responsibilities.

The White House Correspondents’ Association strongly opposed the decision, emphasizing the importance of press independence and transparency.

The association criticized the lack of prior communication with the White House and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for comprehensive access to White House reporting.

Recently, a “new media” seat was added in the White House briefing room, accommodating journalists from various backgrounds, including those supportive of the administration.

Ms. Leavitt stated that both legacy and new media outlets would have the opportunity to participate in the pool, allowing for a diverse range of voices.

While specific details were not provided, the plan would give President Trump and his team the authority to select reporters and media personalities for questioning and observation at events.

Ms. Leavitt framed the decision as a way to empower the American people by allowing the White House to determine the daily press pool makeup.