The Trump Administration has decided to reinstate a rule for credentialed White House reporters that was first implemented—and later withdrawn—under the Clinton Administration in 1993. The rule prohibits members of the White House Press Corps from entering Room 140 of the West Wing, known as the “Upper Press” and located near the Oval Office, without an appointment from either the Press Secretary or the Communications Director.

According to the White House, the restriction is linked to the ongoing restructuring of the National Security Council (NSC), noting that members of the Communications Staff are now “routinely handling sensitive material” that must be “protected” from unauthorized access by reporters. Earlier this year, the Pentagon cited similar concerns when it imposed further limitations on access for members of the Pentagon Press Corps.