The White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA) strongly condemns the Trump Administration’s decision to restrict the access for Associated Press still photojournalists and reporters as an act of retaliation for the company’s editorial decisions. These actions represent an unacceptable denial of access to journalists fulfilling their professional duties and adhering to internationally recognized editorial standards. This restriction of press freedom undermines the Constitution and the fundamental right to a free and fair press.
We call on the White House to restore access to all AP journalists covering the administration in the White House and while traveling on Air Force One.
Over more than a century, WHNPA photographers have captured some of the most significant images in American politics and history. Our members, including photographers from the Associated Press, were in Butler, Pa., on July 13, 2024, documenting the historic moment when President Donald Trump survived the attempt on his life and told his supporters to “Fight! Fight! Fight!” Those images have been seen worldwide and are striking examples of the important work made possible by the fundamental rights of press freedom and access to the president.
The WHNPA represents still, video and multimedia journalists based in the Washington, DC region. The WHNPA is a non-partisan organization that has consistently advocated for free and fair access, regardless of party.
In Washington and around the world, the members of the WHNPA work with the highest levels of professionalism when covering the presidency and respectfully ask the White House to allow journalists to continue to do their work, including those with the Associated Press.
The Executive Board
The White House News Photographers Association