A coalition of 18 journalism associations want President-elect Donald Trump to commit to having a press pool shadow him.
{mosads}“We call on you to commit to a protective press pool from now until the final day of your presidency,” the group said in an open letter to Trump Wednesday. “We respectfully ask you to instill a spirit of openness and transparency in your administration in many ways, but first and foremost via the press pool.
“A great America depends on having sunlight on its leaders. We expect the traditions of the White House press coverage to be upheld whether in Washington or elsewhere.”
The letter boasts leadership signatures from organizations including the National Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists. The coalition’s message noted a presidential press pool is a longstanding pillar of American freedom.
“The idea of a press pool that covers all of the president’s movements is one that dates back to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt administration,” they wrote. “Every president of both parties has treated this important tradition with respect.
“The role of the press pool is critically important to our country, whose citizens depend on and deserve to know what president is doing,” they added.
“This isn’t about access for the press itself, it’s about access for Americans in diverse communities across the country. Your constituents receive information from a variety of platforms to learn about what our president is doing.”
Trump stunned journalists late Tuesday by leaving Trump Tower in New York City without warning to have dinner with his family.
The Republican arrived at 21 Club an hour after his spokeswoman had called a “lid,” signaling to reporters covering him his night had ended.
Police then reportedly let reporters with New York City press passes watch the billionaire from outside the restaurant. Journalists without such credentials were instructed to move down the block.
Trump has frequently bucked longstanding media traditions since entering politics last year. The businessman has also repeatedly accused news outlets and specific journalists of bias against him.