I am writing to express my deep disappointment over the White House’s recent decision to assume control over press pool access, stripping the White House Correspondents’ Association of its long-standing role. This move sets a dangerous precedent that undermines press freedom, a fundamental pillar of our democratic republic.
The Republican Party has long championed the Constitution and the principles of limited government, transparency, and free speech. However, this decision casts a dark shadow over those values. Controlling which journalists have access to the President is not the role of any administration—it is something we associate with authoritarian regimes, not the United States of America.
The Republican Party is already facing growing concerns about the erosion of democratic norms, and this action only fuels those fears. It is imperative that elected leaders stand up for press freedom, even when the press is critical. The hallmark of a strong democracy is the ability to tolerate dissent and respect a free press, not to manipulate access based on compliance with government narratives.
I urge you to take a firm stance against this troubling decision and work with your colleagues to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions. The world is watching, and history will judge those who choose to remain silent. Please do what is right for the country and for the principles that the Republican Party has long stood for.
I appreciate your time and look forward to your response.