The White House said on Friday that, due to national security considerations, journalists will no longer be allowed to enter a section inside the West Wing called the "Upper Press" area. The so-called "Upper Press" area, officially numbered Room 140, is where key members of the White House communications team, such as press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and other press assistants, have their offices. For years, journalists have been able to interview and interact with White House officials in this area. White House officials stated that due to the "recent restructuring" of the National Security Council, the White House communications team would "have access to sensitive materials" in this area. In a memo released late Friday, the National Security Council stated: "In order to protect these materials and maintain coordination between National Security Council staff and the White House communications team, media members will not be permitted to enter Room 140 without prior approval." This move has sparked strong opposition from White House reporters, who believe it will hinder their ability to report on the president. President Clinton attempted to limit media access to the area in 1993, but revoked the measure after backlash from the media.
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Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847653801663497/
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