DOJ: White House Media Access a Privilege, Not a Right

Why it matters locally: Given the District of Columbia's status as the nation's capital and a major hub for national and international media, the Department of Justice's stance on White House media access could significantly influence the operational environment for numerous news organizations headquartered or with large bureaus in the city. This legal precedent could affect the ability of local media outlets to cover the federal government and potentially impact employment within the media sector in DC.

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WASHINGTON – The Justice Department argued in a recent court filing that media organizations do not possess an inherent right to access White House grounds. The department characterized such access as a privilege, rather than a constitutional right. The filing addresses a lawsuit initiated by CNN, MSNBC, and Politico. These news outlets contend that the White House's decision to restrict their access violates their due process rights and their First Amendment protections. The Justice Department's court document states that the President determined the named news organizations “failed to maintain basic minimum 'standards of professionalism and decorum.'” This conclusion forms the basis for the administration's position regarding their access. NBC News correspondent Garrett Haake reported on these developments.