White House Plans to Control Press Room Seating, Drawing Criticism

A senior official revealed the Trump White House plans to take over press briefing room seating assignments, a role traditionally managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA). The WHCA, made up of journalists elected by peers, sees this as a move to influence press coverage by favoring pro-Trump outlets.

Former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer endorsed the plan, while current press secretary Karoline Leavitt has already elevated right-wing podcasters and fringe voices in briefings. Trump’s administration previously barred outlets like the Associated Press and changed pool reporting rules, undermining the WHCA’s authority.

Critics warn even small changes in seating can shift media dynamics and silence mainstream voices. The Defense Department’s recent removal of NPR and CNN from Pentagon offices raised similar concerns. Despite logistical hurdles — many far-right content creators don’t live in D.C. — the administration appears focused on reshaping media access to align with its agenda.

Former WHCA president Jonathan Karl called it a “decades-long bipartisan tradition” for the association to manage seating and vowed to oppose interference.