The White House is preparing to take direct control over seating assignments in its press briefing room, according to a senior official familiar with the matter. The move would mark a shift from the long-standing tradition in which the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) — an independent group made up of journalists — organizes and distributes seats to news organizations.

While no official changes have been implemented yet, the plan has raised questions among members of the press about the potential implications for journalistic access and neutrality in the briefing room.

Currently, seating is determined by the WHCA based on factors such as organization size, historical presence, and overall contribution to White House coverage. The group, led by a rotating board of elected journalists, also manages workspaces and press pool responsibilities. The association updates the seating chart periodically to reflect changes in the media landscape and accommodate the more than 60 outlets vying for space in the 49-seat room.

The proposed change would allow the administration to reorganize who sits where and potentially prioritize certain media outlets, possibly impacting which reporters get to ask questions during televised briefings. Some members of the press corps voiced concern that shifting this authority could influence which narratives dominate public discourse.

“It’s not about who sits in which seat — it’s about the precedent it sets when an administration takes over a function historically managed by journalists,” said one White House reporter who requested anonymity.

So far, the WHCA has not publicly commented on the matter, though sources say the organization is reviewing potential responses. Observers note that even small adjustments to seating can affect the visibility and frequency with which reporters are called upon in the room, subtly shaping the briefing dynamic.