White House restricts media access to West Wing’s ‘Upper Press’ area

WASHINGTON

The White House said Friday it restricted access for media pass holders to a key workspace known as the “Upper Press” without an appointment, citing the need to protect “sensitive material.”

According to a memorandum issued by the National Security Council (NSC), members of the media are prohibited from entering Room 140 in the West Wing, also known as the “Upper Press,” without an appointment.

The policy, effective immediately, aims to “ensure adherence to best practices pertaining to access to sensitive material,” it said.

The memo noted that recent “structural changes” to the NSC have made the White House responsible for directing all communications, including on national security matters, resulting in the handling of sensitive information by communications staff.

“In order to protect such material, and maintain coordination between National Security Council Staff and White House Communications Staff, members of the press are no longer permitted to access Room 140 without prior approval in the form of an appointment with an authorized White House Staff Member,” said the document.

Reporters may continue to engage freely with media aides in the Lower Press area outside the briefing room, it added.

The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) opposed the new restrictions, indicating it would hinder the media corps’ ability to question officials, ensure transparency and hold the government accountable.

“The White House Correspondents’ Association unequivocally opposes any effort to limit journalists from areas within the communications operations of the White House that have long been open for newsgathering, including the press secretary’s office,” WHCA President Weijia Jiang said in a statement.