The White House Correspondents' Association has condemned the Biden administration's decision to deny press access to President Biden's upcoming Quad Summit, citing unprecedented restrictions on media coverage of bilateral meetings.
President Biden's Quad Summit, scheduled to commence this weekend, will be marked by an absence of press coverage, sparking concerns and objections from the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA). The WHCA has deemed the lack of access to the president's bilateral meetings with world leaders as "unacceptable."
Eugene Daniels, president of the WHCA, expressed the association's dismay in an email obtained by Fox News Digital. Daniels noted the unprecedented nature of the restrictions, as similar summits in the past have typically allowed for press coverage of bilateral meetings.
Biden's Quad Summit to Exclude Press Amid Security Concerns, Raising Objections
The White House's justification for the exclusion of the press from these meetings centers around security concerns. However, Daniels argued that such concerns should not preclude media access altogether. He emphasized the importance of independent press coverage to ensure transparency and accountability in the face of heightened security measures.
During Thursday's press briefing, reporters pressed White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the issue of media access at the summit. Jean-Pierre maintained that alternative opportunities for press coverage would be provided, such as photo opportunities and a press conference with the leaders upon their departure.
Biden's Quad Summit to Exclude Press Amid Security Concerns, Raising Objections
However, reporters countered Jean-Pierre's assertions, pointing out that past presidents have routinely allowed press pools to cover bilateral meetings hosted at their homes. They also dismissed the suggestion that photo opportunities were a substitute for comprehensive press coverage.
Jean-Pierre continued to emphasize the "uncommon" nature of the press restrictions, downplaying the significance of media access to the bilateral meetings. She highlighted the availability of other opportunities for the press to witness the leaders' interactions, such as a family photo session and a visit to the president's high school.
Biden's Quad Summit to Exclude Press Amid Security Concerns, Raising Objections
The WHCA's criticism of the Biden administration's media restrictions is not an isolated incident. The association has previously expressed concerns over the administration's hostility towards the press and its efforts to limit media access. Daniels' email stated that such restrictions are not in line with "long-established standards of press access" for events of this nature.
Despite Jean-Pierre's assurances of alternative press opportunities, the WHCA remains steadfast in its objection to the unprecedented exclusion of the media from the bilateral meetings at the Quad Summit. Daniels' email concluded with a request for the administration to reconsider its stance and adhere to established norms of press access.
Biden's Quad Summit to Exclude Press Amid Security Concerns, Raising Objections
As the summit approaches, it remains to be seen whether the White House will reverse its decision and allow for press coverage of the bilateral meetings. The WHCA's objections highlight the ongoing tensions between the Biden administration and the media, and the importance of independent press coverage in ensuring transparency and accountability in government.
