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Trump Stuns Reporters By Asking Them To Leave Before Governors Breakfast

Power over press, unchecked again

565
565 points

President Donald Trump kicked off Friday’s annual White House breakfast with governors by sending the press packing. Cameras and reporters were in the room for only a brief moment before Trump announced, “We’re going to be asking the press to leave. That way, we’re going to talk very candidly and take questions… Thank you very much for being here. It’s a great honor. And the media — thank you, you can leave now.”

Reporters tried to ask questions, but the White House communications team moved quickly, saying, “Thank you, press,” signaling that media access was over.

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer expressed disbelief, saying, “I spent seven years as a White House correspondent for CNN. I don’t remember a time when the White House officially opens up a meeting like this to the news media … but then the president of the United States goes ahead and kicks them all out. How extraordinary is this?”

Correspondent Kevin Liptak suggested the decision may have been about keeping disagreements behind closed doors.

Last year, Maine Gov. Janet Mills confronted Trump over federal funding tied to transgender athletes and famously told him, “I will see you in court.” With tensions like that in mind, Trump’s move appears to have been a preemptive way to avoid public conflict.

Earlier in the week, Democratic Govs. Jared Polis of Colorado and Wes Moore of Maryland were initially not invited to the governors breakfast. The White House later reversed course and extended invitations, reflecting the ongoing struggle over which leaders get access under Trump’s political lens.

Shortly after the press was removed, the White House “Rapid Response” social media account posted: “@POTUS invited the Fake News into his meeting with Governors — then immediately kicked them out: ‘You can leave now.’ Didn’t stop them from asking stupid questions though.”

Some observers online weighed in with sharp criticism.


Featured image via X screengrab

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Terry Lawson

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Terry is an editor and political writer based in Alabama. Over the last five years, he’s worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter for a range of companies, helping shape voices and tell stories that connect. Now at Political Tribune, he writes sharp political pieces and edits with a close eye on clarity and tone. Terry’s work is driven by strong storytelling, attention to detail, and a clear sense of purpose. He’s skilled in writing, editing, and project management — and always focused on getting the message right. You can find him on X at https://x.com/TerryNotTrump.

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