By Sam Barron | Friday, 31 October 2025 10:38 PM EDT
The White House Correspondents’ Association has denounced a new policy limiting press access to the West Wing’s Upper Press area in Room 140 adjacent to the Oval Office. The National Security Council issued a memo Friday restricting entry to the space, requiring reporters to schedule appointments. The measure, which took effect immediately, is framed as a safeguard for sensitive material handled by White House communications and National Security Council staff.
Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, criticized the policy, stating it “hinders the press corps’ ability to question officials, ensure transparency, and hold the government accountable, to the detriment of the American public.” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the move, alleging reporters had “ambushed” Cabinet secretaries in the area, secretly recorded video and audio, and accessed restricted zones. He cited instances of unauthorized recordings of sensitive information and eavesdropping on private meetings.
The policy echoes a 1993 measure under President Bill Clinton, which was later rescinded. Sam Barron has nearly two decades of experience covering politics, crime, and business.
