White House Bars Wall Street Journal from Press Pool Over Epstein Letter Story

The White House has barred a Wall Street Journal reporter from the press pool accompanying President Trump on his upcoming trip to Scotland. The decision stems from the Journal's story concerning a birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein, which the paper alleged was signed by Mr. Trump in the early 2000s.

A Wall Street Journal reporter was scheduled to travel with the president and a select group of other journalists on Air Force One as part of the press pool for the Scotland trip. However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Wall Street Journal would not be included due to what she termed the paper's "fake and defamatory conduct." Mr. Trump has filed a libel lawsuit over the story, seeking substantial damages.

Leavitt stated that thirteen diverse news outlets would be part of the press pool covering the president's trip. She added that the White House had taken significant measures to accommodate as many voices as possible. The Wall Street Journal has not yet commented on the situation, but has stood by its reporting.

The Wall Street Journal's story, published last week, described a letter from the early 2000s that included Mr. Trump's signature, a birthday message, and a drawing. The letter was reportedly part of a collection of correspondence compiled for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003. The president has denied the report, labeling the letter as a "FAKE."

Mr. Trump is scheduled to visit his ancestral home in Scotland later this month, with stops in Aberdeen and Turnberry, where he owns golf courses. The press pool provides a rotating group of reporters with access to the president's daily activities and travels, often allowing for opportunities to ask questions.

The White House Correspondents' Association has urged the Trump administration to reconsider its decision. The WHCA President expressed concern over the administration's attempt to penalize a media outlet based on its coverage, citing First Amendment implications.

The Trump administration has exerted more control over the press pool compared to previous administrations, which typically deferred to the White House press corps in determining participation. Earlier this year, the Associated Press faced access restrictions for not adhering to Mr. Trump's decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico. The wire service sued, initially succeeding in district court, but an appeals court later upheld the administration's right to limit access.

Leavitt stated that the Wall Street Journal, or any other news outlet, is not guaranteed special access to cover President Trump in certain locations.