WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — National Press Club President Mike Balsamo today issued the following statement after an announcement that the White House plans to break decades of precedent and handpick members of the press pool.
“The White House’s announcement today is a direct challenge to the independence of a free press in the United States. For nearly a century, the journalists who make up the White House press pool have ensured that the American people know where their president is, what he’s doing and what he’s saying in real time.
In times of crisis — whether it’s a national emergency or a sudden world event —independent journalists must be there to relay accurate information to the American people and the world. By seizing control of this process, the White House undermines a crucial pillar of our democracy and opens the door to favoritism and secrecy.
The National Press Club stands with the White House Correspondents’ Association in calling on the Trump administration to uphold the tradition of an open and independent press pool.
The press pool, working weekends, holidays and often at great personal cost, should never be replaced by a handpicked group of insiders. We urge the White House to reverse course immediately and preserve the integrity of the press pool for the good of our democracy.”
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. With 2,500 members representing nearly every major journalism organization, the Club and its journalism institute form a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.
Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 or wmccarren@press.org for the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club
SOURCE National Press Club