IRE’s Jonathan Kealing calls the ban part of “a series of illegal moves” and urges solidarity

Investigative Reporters and Editors condemned the ban as apparent retaliation for coverage, saying it flouts a federal appeals court ruling that the White House cannot revoke press access without a compelling reason. In a quotation from Executive Director Jonathan Kealing, it called the ban “just another in a series of illegal moves” and asked investigative reporters and editors across the country to stand in solidarity with the affected outlets.

“Time and again, we’ve seen this administration try to marginalize and exclude those seeking to fairly report on its actions and their impacts. This is just another in a series of illegal moves to try and thwart journalists’ First Amendment rights, and we won’t stand idly by while it happens. We applaud the organizations standing up for their ability to report from and on the White House without fear or favor and call on investigative reporters and editors across the country to stand in solidarity with their colleagues experiencing these harmful actions.”