Statement from WHCA President Olivier Knox

We strongly condemn the White House’s misguided and inappropriate decision today to bar one of our members from an open press event after she asked questions they did not like.  This type of retaliation is wholly inappropriate, wrong-headed, and weak.  It cannot stand.  Reporters asking questions of powerful government officials, up to and including the President, helps hold those people accountable.  In our republic, the WHCA supports the prerogative of all reporters to do their jobs without fear of reprisal from the government. — WHCA President Olivier Knox