NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists strongly condemns the Trump administration’s decision to revoke White House access for journalists from CNN, MSNBC, and POLITICO. Denying access to journalists because of coverage the government dislikes is fundamentally at odds with the principles of a free press as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Journalists must be able to ask tough questions, scrutinize those in power, and report without fear of retaliation or exclusion from the institutions they are charged with covering.

Across the country, local newsrooms are shrinking — leaving communities with fewer journalists, fewer local stories, and fewer perspectives. For journalists and audiences of color, this loss is deeply felt. Local stations are the entry point for many underrepresented journalists and provide culturally relevant coverage national outlets often miss.