NYT Reporter Critiques Trump’s Handling of the Press Like Soviet Kremlin
Peter Baker, a prominent reporter at The New York Times, sharply criticized President Trump’s White House for exerting control over the press pool and banning The Associated Press from essential White House spaces.
- Baker, who previously served as a Moscow correspondent during the early days of Vladimir Putin’s reign, compared the situation to how the Kremlin took control of its press pool, ensuring only compliant journalists had access.
- In his statement on social media platform X, Baker remarked, “The message is clear…if the president does not like our questions or stories, others can be barred too.”
Baker’s remarks came in response to a White House announcement on Tuesday, revealing its plan to seize control of the press pool— a group of journalists who travel with and report on the president’s daily activities.
- Previously, the press pool had been chosen by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), often consisting of reporters from major legacy media and wire services.
The WHCA swiftly condemned the decision, stating it “tears at the independence of a free press in the United States.”
- One wire service, The Associated Press, had recently been banned from key White House areas following its refusal to adjust its coverage style on “Gulf of America,” leading the outlet to sue the Trump administration.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, emphasizing that it was time for the press pool to reflect the media habits of the American people in 2025. She also mentioned the intention to open the pool to new and alternative media outlets that she deemed “deserving.”
Baker, a veteran reporter in Washington, D.C., condemned the move as an unprecedented action.
- He pointed out that every president in modern history, regardless of party, had adhered to the principle that the president should not choose the press corps allowed to question him.
- Trump, however, had now declared that he would.
