PRINCIPLE

October 31, 2025

White House bars reporters from Upper Press

White House ends decades of press access to Upper Press, citing security concerns as reporters lose workspace

The National Security Council issued a memorandum on Oct.

31, 2025, barring credentialed journalists from entering Room 140 — called the "Upper Press" — adjacent to the Oval Office without an appointment.

The memo, addressed to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Communications Director Steven Cheung, said recent NSC structural changes mean communications staff now routinely handle sensitive material and that limiting unplanned foot traffic would protect that material.

The White House Correspondents’ Association said the restriction curtails reporters’ ability to question officials, gather quick context, and hold the government accountable.

The National Security Council issued a memo on Oct. 31, 2025, that bars credentialed reporters from entering Room 140 ("Upper Press") without a prior appointment.

The memo was addressed to White House Press Secretary Karoline LeavittKaroline Leavitt and Communications Director Steven CheungSteven Cheung and cited the need to protect sensitive material now handled by White House communications and NSC staff.

The White House said reporters retain access to lower-level press areas outside the Brady Briefing Room; the restriction applies to the small West Wing hallway and offices immediately outside the Oval Office.

At least 30 news organizations declined to accept new October 2025 Pentagon credentialing rules and returned credentials; reporting does not support the claim that 'virtually every major media outlet' rejected the rules.

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What You Can Do

1

civic action

Demand White House Correspondents' Association challenge restrictions

Contact WHCA President Weijia Jiang and demand the association challenge the Oct 31, 2025 Room 140 restrictions. Script: "The NSC memo undermines newsgathering. I want WHCA to file formal complaints with the Press Office, publicly condemn the restrictions, and coordinate with media organizations to boycott controlled access until spontaneous questioning is restored."

Hi, I'm calling to support WHCA's Oct 31 statement condemning the Room 140 restrictions. Key points: (1) The NSC memo requires appointments before reporters can enter Upper Press, blocking rapid Q&A during breaking news. (2) Steven Cheung claimed secret recordings but provided no evidence. (3) I want WHCA to file formal complaints and coordinate with outlets to boycott controlled access. Will WHCA challenge this publicly and legally?

2

civic action

Contact House Oversight Committee demanding hearings on press access

Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121. Ask for Oversight Committee members. Script: "The Oct 31, 2025 NSC memo restricting Room 140 access undermines First Amendment press freedoms. I want the committee to hold hearings demanding Steven Cheung provide evidence of secret recordings or retract claims. Subpoena Karoline Leavitt and the NSC for memo justification."

I'm calling about the White House Oct 31 press restrictions. The NSC memo bars reporters from Room 140 without appointments. Communications Director Cheung claimed secret recordings but provided no evidence. I want Oversight to hold hearings, subpoena Leavitt and Cheung, and demand evidence or retraction. Will the committee investigate?