Focused on reporting the president’s actions and statements, the 13 journalists that make up the press pool can sometimes blend into the background.

That will open up two additional slots in the pool for the White House to fill as aides choose. “This move tears at the independence of a free press in the United States,” said Eugene Daniels ...

The changes, announced by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday, mean the White House will determine which outlets participate in the "pool" that covers presidential events and shares ...