White House Removes Wall Street Journal from Press Pool, Limiting Media Access During Trump’s Scotland Trip
Recent developments from the administration of U.S.
President Donald Trump reveal a significant change in the protocol for media coverage during official trips.
The White House has officially excluded the Wall Street Journal from the list of media outlets permitted to participate in the 'press pool'—a select group of journalists who accompany the president on major trips and events.
This move means that reporters from the Wall Street Journal will no longer have access during Trump's upcoming journey to Scotland, including both formal and informal events within a limited circle of journalists.
According to White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt, this decision was made due to the publication's 'false and defamatory behavior,' referencing a recent article involving Jeffrey Epstein and mentions of the president’s name.
The decision has sparked concerns among journalists and civil rights advocates that the Trump administration aims to tighten control over the press and restrict their ability to cover important events.
Leavitt emphasized that no other media organizations, apart from those officially designated, will have guaranteed access to such events.
She further stated that thirteen different media outlets will participate in the press pool covering the trip to Scotland, with the exception of the Wall Street Journal.
Previously, the formation of the press pool was handled by the independent White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA), but since February, the administration has taken direct control over this process.
The press pool is a small group of journalists traveling with the president to cover key moments and events, especially those that occur in small groups such as Oval Office photo sessions or press briefings aboard Air Force One.
These changes could influence how the president's activities and trips are reported, potentially leading to more limited journalistic access and coverage.