In a recent White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to entertain a follow-up question from CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent, Kaitlan Collins. The exchange occurred when Collins sought additional clarification regarding the administration’s handling of released Signal messages from Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Leavitt, visibly irritated, interrupted Collins, stating, “Not taking your follow-up.” New York PostNew York Post+1New York Post+1
This incident is part of a series of confrontations between Leavitt and Collins. Previously, Leavitt rebuffed Collins’ inquiries about the administration’s decision to bar an Associated Press reporter from the Oval Office and the Diplomatic Reception Room. The exclusion was reportedly due to the AP’s refusal to use the term “Gulf of America,” the new designation for the Gulf of Mexico as per an executive order. Leavitt defended the move, emphasizing that access to the Oval Office is a privilege and asserting the administration’s right to determine press access. People.com+2The Daily Wire+2The Western Journal+2People.com+4The Western Journal+4Latest news & breaking headlines+4People.com
The administration’s approach to press access has raised concerns among journalists and media organizations. The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) traditionally managed the press pool’s composition, but recent decisions indicate a shift, with the administration selecting which reporters attend presidential events. This change has led to the removal of certain media outlets, such as HuffPost, from the press rotation, sparking debates about press freedom and the independence of media coverage. The Daily Wire+5Latest news & breaking headlines+5Politico+5Politico
These developments underscore the evolving dynamics between the current administration and the press corps, highlighting tensions over media access and the administration’s efforts to control its narrative.
