White House Press Pool Takeover and Media Attacks
White House announced it would select media outlets for the presidential press pool, replacing the century-old White House Correspondents' Association system. Barred Associated Press from the Oval Office. FCC chair ordered investigation into NPR and PBS. Attacked and effectively silenced Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia.
Details
White House announced it would select media outlets for the presidential press pool, replacing the century-old White House Correspondents' Association system. Barred Associated Press from the Oval Office. FCC chair ordered investigation into NPR and PBS. Attacked and effectively silenced Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia.
Date Issued
2025-02-07
Type
Policy Directive
Legal & Institutional Responses (3)
Associated Press v. Trump - Press Pool Exclusion
AP sued after being barred from the Oval Office and Air Force One for declining to call the Gulf of Mexico the 'Gulf of America.' WHCA president characterized the move as 'tearing at the independence of a free press.' Fox News correspondent criticized it as giving 'power to the White House.'
Trump v. New York Times - Defamation Suit (Dismissed)
Trump sued the New York Times, Random House and various journalists for $15 billion in defamation. Judge Merryday struck the complaint under Rule 8, calling it 'decidedly improper and impermissible' and stating 'a complaint is not a public forum for vituperation and invective.' Trump refiled the case.
Trump v. CNN - Defamation Suit (Dismissed)
Eleventh Circuit affirmed dismissal of Trump's defamation suit against CNN over use of the phrase 'Big Lie.' Court found statements were opinion, not actionable factual claims, and Trump failed to plead actual malice.
Affected Agencies
- Executive Office of the President
- Federal Communications Commission