'No question please...': Asking Trump questions won't be easy, White House
The White House has implemented a new media policy, under which the press secretary will now decide who can ask questions to President Trump. This policy may limit the reach of international agencies, especially the Associated Press. The media world has called it an attack on freedom of expression.
White House on Tuesday declared a new media policy by altering the media rules. Under this, international media organizations will now have more difficulties in reaching US President Donald Trump. The policy will particularly affect news agencies that provide news services to media organizations around the world, such as the Associated Press (AP). Experts say this is yet another attempt by the administration to control press coverage, which could affect independent journalism and freedom of expression.
Caroline Levitt will decide who can ask questions to President Trump
Under the new policy, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt will decide who can ask questions to President Trump. The directive would cover the White House, the Oval Office, the press briefing room, and even the president's customized plane, Air Force One. According to sources, the step has been taken so that the approach of the administration is not distorted and only responsible journalists are allowed to ask questions.
Media outrage over the decision
There is a lot of resentment in the media world about this decision. The Associated Press and other leading news agencies believe that this policy goes against the basic principles of journalistic freedom. This is not the first time that the Trump administration has been accused of interfering in press freedom. In an earlier case, the court had held that the White House violated AP's freedom of expression when it banned AP simply because it refused to change the name of the "Gulf of Mexico."
How much impact will it have on the media?
Many media organizations believe that this policy will affect news coverage globally, as agencies provide news to millions of readers worldwide. When their access is restricted, it will hinder the delivery of fair and accurate information to the people. This will have an impact on press freedom not only within the US, but internationally as well. It will be interesting to see if the White House sticks to this policy or changes it due to legal and democratic pressures.
