Fact-check: Did Biden 'cut off' White House access for 400 reporters?, tell me about this news in (https://www.wral.com/news/state/fact-check-biden-cut-white-house-reporter-access-september-25/)

The claim that President Joe Biden “cut off” White House access or revoked press passes for more than 400 journalists is false.

巴士的報

The fact-check addresses online claims alleging that the Biden administration purged or revoked credentials for around 400 to 442 reporters, a claim that resurfaced to argue that earlier administrations had similarly banned journalists.

巴士的報

The actual facts behind the reporting are:

1. Routine Policy Renewal: In May 2023, the White House Press Office announced updated qualification standards for “hard passes” (long-term press badges issued to journalists who regularly cover the White House on grounds). To align with historical standards, journalists were required to show full-time employment, an assignment to cover the White House regularly, a DC-area physical address, and proof of having physically accessed the complex for work in the preceding six months.

   巴士的報+ 1

2. Why Numbers Dropped: Prior to the change, roughly 40% of existing hard-pass holders had not used their badges to enter the White House complex in over 90 days, with some having not visited in years. Passes expired on July 31, 2023, requiring journalists to reapply under the active-usage guidelines.

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3. Not a Ban or Revocation: The total number of hard-pass holders decreased from 1,417 to 975 (a net difference of 442) primarily because inactive reporters simply did not reapply or no longer actively covered the beat. Almost no active applications were rejected on content grounds; in fact, only one renewal application was initially denied at the time of reporting.

   巴士的報

4. Access Remained Available: Journalists without permanent hard passes were still fully eligible to obtain daily day-passes or event credentials to report from the White House whenever needed. Reporters and outlets frequently critical of the administration continued to maintain regular access and credentials.

   巴士的報

The drop in badge holders was administrative routine house-cleaning for dormant credentials, not a targeted ban or retaliation against journalists.