1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the recent actions by the Trump administration to control press access to the White House. On February 25, 2025, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the administration will determine which news outlets are permitted to cover President Trump, effectively seizing control of the press pool and reversing the longstanding precedent of journalists independently managing press access. This decision follows the administration's exclusion of The Associated Press from pooled events, reportedly in retaliation for the news organization's refusal to adopt the administration's preferred terminology for the Gulf of Mexico. These actions represent a significant threat to press freedom and undermine the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of the press as a cornerstone of our democracy. The government's selective granting of access based on favorable coverage or compliance with its demands sets a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to biased reporting and a less informed public. I urge you to take a stand against these measures by advocating for legislation or congressional oversight that protects press independence and ensures that all credentialed news organizations have fair and equal access to government proceedings. Upholding the principles of a free and independent press is essential to maintaining transparency and accountability within our government. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to reading your detailed response on this matter.