The White House has restricted reporters’ access to West Wing communications offices, citing security concerns after some were allegedly caught secretly recording videos and audio. The White House Correspondents’ Association condemned the move, calling it a blow to transparency and press freedom.
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The White House has imposed new restrictions on journalists’ access to the West Wing, limiting movement in and out of the communications staff offices, a space that reporters have long been able to freely enter while covering the administration.
According to a memo released Friday by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Communications Director Steven Cheung, reporters will now need an appointment to visit the offices of senior communications aides. The White House cited “recent structural changes” as the official reason, noting that communications staff are now working more closely with the National Security Council and routinely handle “sensitive material.”
However, the move also follows growing tensions between the Trump administration and the press. Cheung claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that “some reporters have been caught secretly recording video and audio of our offices, along with pictures of sensitive info, without permission.” He added that journalists had wandered into restricted areas, eavesdropped on private meetings, and even ambushed Cabinet secretaries as they entered or exited offices near the Oval Office.
“Press still has access to the lower press area where our team can answer all inquiries,” Cheung wrote. “Reporters can make appointments to see us in our offices.”
The new rules come amid a broader pattern of media restrictions under President Donald Trump’s administration. Certain outlets have been excluded from closed-door briefings, and new Pentagon access rules have forced many reporters to cover the military from outside its headquarters. Trump has also suggested moving the White House press corps “across the street” from the main building.
