In a major shift in White House media coverage, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the White House Press Pool will now be determined by the White House Press Team, rather than the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA).

During her briefing on Tuesday, Leavitt stated that the decision marks a change in how journalists will be selected to cover the White House. Previously, the WHCA, a group of DC-based journalists, had the authority to choose the reporters allowed to ask questions during presidential briefings. Leavitt declared that this practice would no longer continue.

In a post on X, Leavitt stated, "A group of DC-based journalists, the White House Correspondents' Association, has long dictated which journalists get to ask questions of the President of the United States. Not anymore."

Leavitt stressed that the decision was intended to "give the power back to the people." She said that besides the people who earlier covered the White House, new outlets will also be given a chance to cover the briefing.

"Today, I was proud to announce that we are giving the power back to the people. Moving forward, the 'White House Press Pool,' will be determined by the White House Press Team. Legacy outlets who have participated in the press pool for decades will still be allowed to join - but we will also be offering the privilege to well-deserving outlets who have never been allowed to share in this awesome responsibility," she said.

The White House Correspondents' Association condemned the decision, alleging that this move tore at the independence of the press.

"This move tears at the independence of a free press in the United States. It suggests the government will choose the journalists who cover the president. In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps," the statement read.

"For generations, the working journalists elected to lead the White House Correspondents' Association board have consistently expanded the WHCA's membership and its pool rotations to facilitate the inclusion of new and emerging outlets. Since its founding in 1914, the WHCA has sought to ensure that the reporters, photographers, producers and technicians who actually do the work - 365 days every year - decide amongst themselves how these rotations are operated, so as to ensure consistent professional standards and fairness in access on behalf of all readers, viewers and listeners," the statement said.

The association further alleged that the White House did not consult them before imposing this decision.

"To be clear, the White House did not give the WHCA board a heads up or have any discussions about today's announcements. But the WHCA will never stop advocating for comprehensive access, full transparency and the right of the American public to read, listen to and watch reports from the White House, delivered without fear or favour," the statement read.

ANI inputs