The Biden White House wants to revise rules for who can attend press briefings and news conferences, irking an outspoken reporter who believes the “threat against the First Amendment” will be used to shield President Biden and members of his administration from difficult questions.
The White House informed reporters in a notice Friday that credentials, known as hard passes, will be revoked under the new rules if a journalist doesn’t act “in a professional manner,” with written warnings for violators followed by suspensions and bans for repeat offenders. Today News Africa reporter Simon Ateba, who has drawn attention by sometimes shouting to press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre from the back of the briefing room, objects to the policy.
“I think it may be used to kick out unfriendly and tough reporters. The rule will be used against people like me who have been trying hard to ask questions. It’s simply a threat against the First Amendment,” Ateba told Fox News Digital.
President Joe Biden talks to reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Karem told the Washington Post that the White House “will lose” in court if it tries to banish reporters for being rude or asking questions they don’t like.
Trump had previously called Karem a “loudmouth,” and regularly referred to Acosta as “Fake News.”
Brian Flood is a media editor/reporter for FOX News Digital. Story tips can be sent to brian.flood@fox.com and on Twitter: @briansflood.
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