The new rules require journalists to submit a letter to gain access to the White House grounds with information about their employment, mandating that reporters work for "An organization whose principal business is news dissemination."
Journalists have called out White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre for not giving fair representation in the briefing room and the Biden administration has faced criticism from the press corps over unfair access to White House events.
The letter requires reporters to submit their physical address, a statement saying they have accessed the White House in the last six months and cover the White House "On a regular basis," as well as proof of "Accreditation by a press gallery in either the Supreme Court, U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives."
"The White House expects that all hard pass holders will act in a professional manner while on White House grounds by respecting their colleagues, White House employees, and guests; observing stated restrictions on access to areas of the White House or credentialed events; and not impeding events or briefings on campus. Absent security concerns involving the United States Secret Service or other exigent circumstances, the White House will provide a written warning to you if your conduct violates these expectations. Subsequent violations may lead to the suspension or revocation of your hard pass, following notice and an opportunity to respond," the guidance states.
Ateba, who interrupted several White House press briefings after not being called on for months, claimed the new rules stemming from the White House are due to his "Presence."
"While I don't feel upset that the White House is making changes due to my presence, it is ironic that these modifications come shortly after President Biden declared that journalism is not a crime on World Press Freedom Day. It appears that if you excel at your job, both the WHCA and the White House may work together to target you. This situation exacerbates the public's lack of trust in the media and politicians in Washington," Ateba told the Daily Caller.
The White House did not immediately respond to the Caller about why they are making the changes to pass requirements at this time, but an official told the New York Post the rule change had been in the works "For more than a year" and is a product of "Feedback of journalists covering the White House."
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