White House Instates Stricter Access For Press Corps

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 28 : White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks during a briefing in the press briefing room at the White House on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Bots... WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 28 : White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks during a briefing in the press briefing room at the White House on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) MORE LESS
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The White House has been quietly yanking press credentials from the majority of the press corps on the basis of a stringent attendance policy.

The White House has introduced strict new guidelines for reporters who cover the West Wing, the Washington Post reported Wednesday evening. The move will limit the number of reporters who hold “hard passes” that allow for easier access to the White House, according to the Post.

Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders claims that the revocation of hard passes is due to security concerns, not a punishment.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Reporters must have been at the White House in person at least 90 of the past 180 days to receive a hard pass. This standard is made more difficult to achieve due to reporters’ travel obligations and the rarity of official briefings.

Journalists have criticized the move.

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