New rules from White House to remove reporters from briefings.

The White House Implements New Rules for Reporters

The White House has released new guidelines that could result in the expulsion of reporters who do not act “professionally” during briefings and events. The rules, which were emailed to reporters this week, require journalists to meet several standards, including holding additional credentials for the Supreme Court or Congress and not “impeding events or briefings.”

Expectations for Professionalism

The email sent to reporters stated that “The White House expects that all hard pass holders will act in a professional manner.” If a reporter acts in a way that the press office deems unprofessional, they will receive a “written warning” and possibly face suspension or revocation of their pass.

The new rules come after the Trump administration unsuccessfully attempted to revoke the press passes of CNN reporter Jim Acosta and journalist Brian Karem in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Courts ruled in favor of the journalists because the Trump administration wasn’t acting according to written standards.

Simon Ateba, a reporter for Today News Africa, who has had several disagreements with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre over her refusal to take questions from him, tweeted that he believes the standards are directed at him.

“The @WhiteHouse is changing the rules for press hard passes to target me,” Ateba tweeted.

Criticism of Biden’s Lack of Press Briefings

The guidance comes as President Biden faces criticism from media outlets for his lack of press briefings. The Washington Post editorial board recently called Biden’s rare press availability “not acceptable.”

“As he runs for a second term, he should be eager to show he can handle all aspects of the job,” the editorial board wrote. “Pick up the microphone, Mr. President. The media is not your enemy.”

Biden has held a record low number of press conferences, including zero solo conferences so far this year. The only two he’s held were joint sessions with world leaders. The Post editorial board said “it should not take a visit” from a foreign leader for the president to take questions.

Controversy Surrounding Press Event

On Monday, the White House barred the New York Post from a press event with the president. “We are unable to accommodate your credential request to attend the Investing in Airline Accountability Remarks on 5/8,” the White House press office told the Post, though footage showed plenty of open chairs at the event.

New Rules for Reporters:

• Reporters must list an address in the Washington, D.C. area
• Reporters must hold additional credentials for the Supreme Court or Congress
• Reporters must not impede events or briefings

It remains to be seen how these new rules will affect the relationship between the White House and the press, but it is clear that tensions are high and the media is eager for more access to the president.