The White House removed a TASS reporter from the Oval Office on Friday after realizing the Russian state media outlet was not on the approved press list for a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
A White House official stated that the reporter’s presence was flagged, prompting staff to take immediate action. “Once the issue was brought to our attention, the individual was escorted out,” the official said.
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy was part of ongoing diplomatic discussions, drawing significant media interest due to the tense relations between Ukraine and Russia. The presence of a journalist from TASS, Russia’s state-run news agency, raised concerns, especially given the sensitive nature of the talks.
According to the White House, only pre-approved media outlets were allowed access to the Oval Office during the meeting. It remains unclear how the TASS reporter gained entry without proper credentials.
This incident has reignited debates over media access and security protocols within the White House. Critics have questioned how such an oversight occurred, while supporters emphasized the swift response by staff.
The White House reassured the press that it remains committed to ensuring proper procedures are followed for all future engagements.
No further comments were provided by TASS regarding the reporter’s removal.
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