1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The White House's move to restrict which news outlets can cover the president is an alarming attack on press freedom and the public's right to access information. A robust and independent media is essential for a functioning democracy. The administration should not have the power to hand-pick journalists or dictate who can report on the presidency. This unprecedented level of control undermines the First Amendment and the vital role of a free press in holding leaders accountable. Allowing the White House to determine its own media coverage enables the censorship of critical reporting and opens the door to government propaganda. The public deserves full transparency and the ability to receive factual information from a diversity of credible sources without political interference. I urge the administration to reverse course on this misguided policy and uphold the constitutionally protected freedom of the press. Attempts to stifle media scrutiny are antithetical to democratic principles.