Biden White House Edits Administration Quotes Before Letting Reporters Publish Them
May 12, 2021 By Gabe Kaminsky
According to a Politico report Monday, the White House communications team is editing quotations from Biden administration officials, demanding interviews be performed on “background with quote approval.”
Five reporters who cover the White House spoke with Politico, and the outlet confirmed it has “participated in such arrangements too.” The above terminology means interview material can be used by reporters but the reporter’s transcription must be either approved, vetoed, or edited.
“The other week, the White House asked for background with quote approval for an interview with White House communications director KATE BEDINGFIELD for a profile about speechwriter VINAY REDDY,” Politico noted. “Close to deadline and with our editors giving us side-eye about filing late, we agreed.”
Those who spoke with the outlet said it was commonplace during the Barack Obama administration and used by the Donald Trump administration too. For instance, David Remnick of The New Yorker was forced by the Obama White House in a profile of his to “quietly” receive quote approval, according to Gawker. Michael Lewis likewise was involved in such an arrangement for Vanity Fair profile in 2012.
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https://thefederalist.com/2021/05/12/biden-white-house-edits-administration-quotes-before-letting-reporters-publish-them/
