A Russian state media reporter from TASS gained access to the Oval Office during President Donald Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday.
This occurred despite the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters being excluded from the high-level meeting, raising concerns over White House media protocol.
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White House Denies Authorization for TASS Reporter’s Presence
Although a select group of reporters, including the TASS journalist, was allowed in for the meeting, the White House stated the reporter was not authorized to be part of the press pool.
A White House official confirmed that the TASS correspondent had not been approved for the pool and was escorted out once the error was discovered.
Protocol Breach and New Press Access Policy
This incident follows the White House's recent announcement to take control of the pool reporter selection, a move that breaks from decades of tradition.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, claiming it would democratize media access and end the White House Correspondents’ Association’s monopoly on press pool privileges.
However, the breach of protocol by allowing a Russian state media reporter into the Oval Office, while AP and Reuters were excluded, highlights growing concerns over security lapses and transparency at the White House.
AP and Reuters Barred from Coverage, Legal Action Pending
Despite the White House’s explanation, the exclusion of major news outlets like the AP and Reuters remains a contentious issue. Recently, the AP was indefinitely banned from covering events, including the Oval Office and Air Force One, due to a dispute over its use of the term “Gulf of Mexico” alongside “Gulf of America.” The AP has since filed a lawsuit against three Trump administration officials over the ban.
Past Controversy with Russian Media Access
This is not the first controversy involving Russia’s state-owned TASS news agency. In 2017, the Trump administration faced backlash after allowing a TASS photographer exclusive access to a meeting between President Trump and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, while barring U.S. media.
Security and Media Access Under Scrutiny
The latest incident has intensified scrutiny over the White House’s new approach to media access, especially concerning the inclusion of Russian state media while excluding other major news organizations.
The breach of established protocol has raised concerns about both security and the transparency of the administration’s media practices.
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Written By HowNHowTo.com