White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will not be at the upcoming WHCA dinner.
Karoline Leavitt, during "The Sean Spicer Show," announced her decision to skip the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, voicing concerns over the organization's exclusivity and its approach to media accreditation, Fox News reported.
Leavitt expressed her dissatisfaction with the WHCA, labeling it as a "monetized monopoly." She criticized the association for not being inclusive of new and independent media voices, which she believes are crucial for a vibrant journalism landscape.
During her tenure, the Trump administration has taken steps to modify how journalists are selected to cover the White House.
This includes a new process for determining daily press access to spaces typically limited, like the Oval Office and Air Force One. Over 15,000 applications have been received for the new media seat, indicating strong interest from previously excluded outlets.
The WHCA previously controlled which news outlets could join the daily 13-member press pool, a role now assumed by the White House. Established media giants such as The Associated Press, Bloomberg, and Reuters used to hold permanent spots but now share a rotating slot.
The press pool dynamics changed significantly after officials removed The AP, citing its alleged disregard for an executive order about renaming the Gulf of Mexico. A U.S. District Court has temporarily upheld this decision, with further legal arguments scheduled for later this month.
Leavitt argues that these changes are essential for ensuring a broader and more varied media representation. "Since we have started this new process of determining the daily rotation, so many new voices and outlets who have never been part of this small and privileged group of journalists have been able to access those very unique and privileged spaces and cover this presidency, and that’s very important," she stated.
KAROLINE LEAVITT'S FULL QUOTE:
Since we have started this new process of determining the daily rotation, so many new voices and outlets who have never been part of this small and privileged group of journalists have been able to access those very unique and privileged spaces and cover this presidency, and that’s very important.
However, Eugene Daniels, president of the WHCA's board, has challenged these alterations, arguing that they could potentially harm press independence in the United States. "It tears at the independence of a free press in the United States," Daniels stated, pointing to the contentious nature of the White House's new protocols.
In addition to her criticisms of the WHCA, Leavitt recently invited Vivian Sleeth, a young cancer patient, and her mother to the White House, signaling an effort by the administration to engage with diverse community issues directly.
Comedian Amber Ruffin, slated to headline this year's WHCA dinner, mentioned in an interview that while Donald Trump did not attend the dinner in his first term, there is advice against his presence at this year's event too.
In summary, Karoline Leavitt's decision to skip the WHCA dinner underscores the ongoing tensions between the current administration and the press. Her actions reflect broader efforts to redefine media access and coverage in what her administration sees as a new era for journalism.
