They say keeping CNN out is “viewpoint discrimination.”
In 2020, DOJ told them inviting me — even based on viewpoint — is not a First Amendment violation.
I am the OAN reporter in this letter.
WHCA kicked OAN out of the rotation. Roped off my chair. Made me stand in the back.
Then Brian Karem’s lawyer screamed that Stephanie Grisham inviting me as her guest was unconstitutional.
DOJ’s answer, on White House letterhead:
- The briefing room is White House property.
- The club’s seating chart is a practice the Press Secretary “merely acquiesced” in.
- Special access to a particular reporter is not a First Amendment violation.
- “That is true whether or not such an invitation is based on viewpoint.”
So which is it, WHCA?
When the club locks the conservative out, it’s “safety.”
When the White House locks the network out, it’s the death of the Republic.
The chairs were never yours.