Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Feb. 25, 2025

On February 25, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held a press briefing to announce that the White House Press Office would assume direct control over the selection of daily press pool reporters. This marks a significant shift from the traditional practice in which the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) managed the daily press pool composition.

The announcement followed a federal court’s decision to deny the Associated Press (AP) its request to restore access to the press pool after it was barred for refusing to use the term "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of Mexico." Leavitt emphasized that this change was intended to reflect modern media practices and ensure a more diverse representation of media outlets while assuring that traditional news organizations would still participate.

The decision has raised concerns about press freedom, with the WHCA criticizing it as an attempt to undermine journalistic independence in the U.S. Despite these concerns, the White House argued that the new policy would expand opportunities for independent journalists, podcasters, and social media content creators to apply for credentials and cover White House events, acknowledging the evolving media landscape of 2025.

During the briefing, Leavitt also announced a symbolic change in the press room—the front-row seat traditionally reserved for the press secretary’s staff will now be designated as the "New Media Seat." This initiative is meant to provide a platform for emerging voices in journalism and digital media, further aligning with the administration’s efforts to modernize media access.

The White House’s move to control the press pool and broaden access to alternative media has sparked intense debate, with critics warning of potential threats to journalistic independence, while supporters argue that it democratizes press access and reflects the changing nature of media consumption.