You wake up expecting an ordinary morning, only to discover that your favorite shoes suddenly feel impossibly tight. Looking down, you notice your feet and ankles have become swollen, stretched, and uncomfortable. At first, it seems like a minor inconvenience—perhaps the result of standing too long or yesterday’s busy schedule. But in some cases, swelling in the feet is more than a temporary annoyance. It can be one of the body’s earliest warning signs that something much more serious is happening beneath the surface. Your heart, kidneys, blood vessels, or other vital systems may be signaling that they need attention. Learning to recognize these subtle clues could make a critical difference to your long-term health.
The human body constantly works to maintain a delicate balance between fluids, circulation, and organ function. Every heartbeat, every breath, and every movement contributes to keeping this complex system operating efficiently. When one part of this balance begins to fail, the body often reveals the problem through visible physical changes. Swollen feet and ankles are among the most common of these warning signs. Although many people dismiss puffiness as the result of a tiring day, prolonged standing, or travel, healthcare professionals understand that persistent swelling can reflect much deeper physiological changes that deserve careful evaluation.
The medical term for this swelling is edema. Edema develops when excess fluid escapes from tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, and collects within surrounding tissues. Because gravity naturally pulls fluid downward, the feet and ankles are often the first places where this buildup becomes noticeable. For many individuals, the swelling is temporary and harmless. Spending hours seated on a long flight, standing throughout an entire work shift, or remaining inactive for long periods can all reduce circulation. The calf muscles normally help pump blood and fluid back toward the heart, but when they remain inactive, fluid begins pooling in the lower legs. The result is tight skin, swollen ankles, and shoes that suddenly feel much smaller than they did earlier in the day.
Lifestyle habits also play an important role in determining how much fluid the body retains. One of the biggest contributors is excessive sodium intake. Salt encourages the body to hold onto water, increasing the amount of fluid circulating through the bloodstream. When sodium consumption becomes too high, the kidneys attempt to maintain balance by retaining additional water, often leading to visible swelling in the lower extremities. Warm weather can produce a similar effect. During hot temperatures, blood vessels naturally widen to help release body heat, but this process also allows more fluid to seep into nearby tissues, creating the familiar puffiness many people experience during summer months.
Not all swelling is caused by circulation or diet. Injury frequently produces localized edema as part of the body’s natural healing response. A twisted ankle, strained ligament, or even a minor impact causes inflammation that draws fluid and immune cells to the damaged area. This protective response cushions the injured tissues while repair begins. In these situations, the source of the swelling is usually obvious. However, when swelling develops without an injury or continues despite adequate rest, elevation, and recovery, it becomes far more concerning and may indicate an underlying medical condition rather than a temporary physical problem.
Persistent edema can sometimes point toward disorders involving the body’s most important organs. Heart disease is one of the leading possibilities. When the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, pressure builds within the veins, forcing fluid into nearby tissues and producing swelling in the feet and ankles. Kidney disease may produce similar symptoms because damaged kidneys lose their ability to remove excess water and sodium effectively. Liver disorders can also contribute by reducing production of albumin, an essential protein that helps keep fluid inside blood vessels. When albumin levels fall, fluid leaks more easily into surrounding tissues, creating noticeable swelling throughout the lower body.
Knowing when swelling requires immediate medical attention is extremely important. One of the most significant warning signs is swelling that affects only one leg or foot. This may indicate Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms within a deep vein. If part of that clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can produce a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Other concerning symptoms include pitting edema, where pressing on the swollen skin leaves a lasting indentation, as well as redness, warmth, fever, or severe pain that could signal infection. Swelling accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or extreme fatigue should never be ignored, as these symptoms may indicate a serious cardiovascular emergency requiring immediate medical care.
Fortunately, many mild cases of edema respond well to simple lifestyle changes. Elevating the feet above heart level several times each day allows gravity to assist rather than oppose circulation, encouraging accumulated fluid to return toward the body’s central circulation. Regular movement is equally valuable. Even brief walks or simple ankle exercises activate the calf muscles, helping push blood and lymphatic fluid back toward the heart. Compression socks or stockings provide gentle external pressure that limits fluid accumulation while supporting healthy circulation, particularly for individuals who spend long hours standing or sitting.
Preventing recurring swelling often depends on maintaining healthy daily habits. Limiting dietary sodium, drinking adequate water, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active all reduce unnecessary strain on the circulatory system. Individuals whose jobs require prolonged sitting or standing should make a habit of moving every hour to stimulate circulation. Rather than viewing swollen feet as a minor inconvenience, they should be recognized as valuable signals that the body may be asking for attention. Listening to those signals early can help identify problems before they become far more serious, allowing timely treatment and protecting overall health for years to come.
BREAKING NEWS!! Shock in D.C.: President Donald Trump Shot AGAIN Security Breach Disrupts White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner Washington – The annual White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner, a longstanding tradition blending political satire, celebrity appearances, and networking among Washington’s media and political elite, was thrown into chaos on Saturday, April 25, 2026, when a gunman attempted to breach security at the Washington Hilton.
The incident unfolded shortly after 8:30 p.m. as the black-tie gala was getting underway in the hotel’s ballroom. According to law enforcement accounts and surveillance footage, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, rushed a security checkpoint on the Terrace Level armed with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a .38-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and multiple knives. Secret Service agents moved quickly to intercept him. Allen reportedly fired his shotgun, striking one agent in the chest at close range. The officer, protected by a bulletproof vest, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Agents returned fire, though Allen was not struck by their rounds; he suffered minor injuries during the struggle as he was tackled and pinned to the floor in the hotel lobby.
President Donald Trump, who was attending the dinner along with First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration officials, was swiftly evacuated. In subsequent remarks, Trump praised the Secret Service for their “fantastic job” and rapid response, noting they neutralized the threat before it could reach the crowded ballroom. He described Allen as a “sick person” and confirmed that federal authorities were searching the suspect’s residence in California.

Investigation and Charges
Interim D.C. Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll and federal officials characterized Allen as a lone actor with no apparent ties to a broader conspiracy or immediate additional threats to the public. Prosecutors later charged him with attempting to assassinate the president and assaulting a federal officer, among other counts. A grand jury returned a four-count indictment in early May. Allen, described in reports as an academic tutor, video game developer, and mechanical engineer, had reportedly expressed opposition to Trump administration policies in writings sent to family members shortly before the incident.
Inside the ballroom, the sound of gunfire triggered panic among hundreds of journalists, politicians, and guests. Attendees initially took cover under tables as law enforcement secured the area. Organizers briefly considered continuing the program, but the event was officially canceled around 9:45 p.m. President Trump later noted a surprising sense of unity among those present-journalists and politicians from across the political spectrum-amid the shared danger. The dinner has been rescheduled for within the next 30 days.
Security Review and Impact
The breach has prompted an immediate review of security protocols for high-profile events in the nation’s capital. It marks one of the most serious security incidents at a Washington political gathering in recent memory, highlighting ongoing challenges in protecting public figures and large assemblies. As investigations continue into Allen’s background, motives, and movements leading up to the attack, the episode has reignited discussions about political violence and the safety of democratic institutions. No other injuries were reported among attendees.
The incident unfolded shortly after 8:30 p.m. as the black-tie gala was getting underway in the hotel’s ballroom. According to law enforcement accounts and surveillance footage, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, rushed a security checkpoint on the Terrace Level armed with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a .38-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and multiple knives. Secret Service agents moved quickly to intercept him. Allen reportedly fired his shotgun, striking one agent in the chest at close range. The officer, protected by a bulletproof vest, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Agents returned fire, though Allen was not struck by their rounds; he suffered minor injuries during the struggle as he was tackled and pinned to the floor in the hotel lobby.
President Donald Trump, who was attending the dinner along with First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration officials, was swiftly evacuated. In subsequent remarks, Trump praised the Secret Service for their “fantastic job” and rapid response, noting they neutralized the threat before it could reach the crowded ballroom. He described Allen as a “sick person” and confirmed that federal authorities were searching the suspect’s residence in California.

Investigation and Charges
Interim D.C. Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll and federal officials characterized Allen as a lone actor with no apparent ties to a broader conspiracy or immediate additional threats to the public. Prosecutors later charged him with attempting to assassinate the president and assaulting a federal officer, among other counts. A grand jury returned a four-count indictment in early May. Allen, described in reports as an academic tutor, video game developer, and mechanical engineer, had reportedly expressed opposition to Trump administration policies in writings sent to family members shortly before the incident.
Inside the ballroom, the sound of gunfire triggered panic among hundreds of journalists, politicians, and guests. Attendees initially took cover under tables as law enforcement secured the area. Organizers briefly considered continuing the program, but the event was officially canceled around 9:45 p.m. President Trump later noted a surprising sense of unity among those present-journalists and politicians from across the political spectrum-amid the shared danger. The dinner has been rescheduled for within the next 30 days.
Security Review and Impact
The breach has prompted an immediate review of security protocols for high-profile events in the nation’s capital. It marks one of the most serious security incidents at a Washington political gathering in recent memory, highlighting ongoing challenges in protecting public figures and large assemblies. As investigations continue into Allen’s background, motives, and movements leading up to the attack, the episode has reignited discussions about political violence and the safety of democratic institutions. No other injuries were reported among attendees.

Looking for Answers
Once we had a better view, we noticed that the object appeared to have natural features rather than anything artificial or dangerous. Curious to learn more, we compared it with photographs and descriptions from reliable online resources.
After some research, we found what seemed to be the closest match: a beetle pupa, an intermediate stage in a beetle’s development before it emerges as an adult insect.
Understanding the Life Cycle
Many insects undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. During the pupal stage, significant internal changes take place as the insect develops into its mature form.
Because pupae are often motionless and have unusual shapes or colors, they can easily be mistaken for something unfamiliar or concerning.
A Reminder to Stay Curious
What initially seemed mysterious ultimately became an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. Instead of reacting with alarm, taking a moment to observe and research the discovery helped us better understand what we had found.
Encounters like this serve as a reminder that nature is full of surprising details, many of which go unnoticed in our daily routines.
When You Find Something Unfamiliar
If you discover an unidentified object or insect in your home, consider handling it carefully, avoiding direct contact if you’re uncertain, and consulting trustworthy identification resources or local experts when needed.
In our case, a puzzling discovery on the bathroom floor turned into an interesting lesson about the fascinating life cycle of insects—and a reminder that curiosity often leads to understanding.

A Quiet Courtroom Before Proceedings Began
As the session opened, observers noted that the defendant appeared calm while seated with legal counsel. Family members, members of the public, and media representatives gathered to follow the developments as the court continued reviewing evidence related to the case.
The defense team had previously raised questions regarding the teen’s age, emotional state, and surrounding circumstances, while prosecutors maintained that the available evidence supported the charges.
Presentation of Video Evidence
During the hearing, prosecutors requested permission to introduce video evidence that they argued would provide additional context to the investigation.
After approval from the court, the material was presented to those in attendance. While details of the footage were discussed as part of the legal process, its introduction marked a notable point in the proceedings and appeared to influence the atmosphere inside the courtroom.
Observers reported that attention shifted noticeably as the evidence was reviewed.
The Human Impact of the Case
Beyond the legal arguments, the case has deeply affected the family and community involved.
A family lost a loved one, while another individual survived serious injuries and later became an important witness during the judicial process. Friends and relatives have spoken publicly about the emotional challenges resulting from the events and the lasting effects on everyone connected to the case.
Their experiences serve as a reminder that criminal proceedings often involve real families facing difficult and life-changing circumstances.
Understanding Complex Situations
Cases involving young defendants frequently raise broader discussions about mental health, family dynamics, and the importance of early intervention and support services.
Legal experts and psychologists often note that each situation is unique and requires careful evaluation of evidence, individual circumstances, and applicable law before conclusions are reached.
The justice system’s role is to examine all available information and ensure that decisions are based on facts presented in court.
The Importance of Evidence in Judicial Proceedings
Court cases often involve witness testimony, forensic analysis, documents, and digital records that collectively help establish a timeline of events.
Video evidence, when available and properly admitted, can provide investigators and courts with additional information to evaluate alongside other materials presented during trial.
Ultimately, judges and juries consider the totality of the evidence before reaching legal conclusions.
A Reminder of the Value of Due Process
High-profile cases often generate widespread public interest and discussion, but the judicial process is designed to evaluate facts through established legal procedures rather than public opinion.
As proceedings continue, both prosecution and defense have opportunities to present their arguments, ensuring that the court reaches its decisions through careful review of the available evidence.
Looking Ahead
The case remains a sobering example of how family tragedies can evolve into complex legal matters with lasting consequences for everyone involved.
While public attention often focuses on dramatic courtroom moments, the broader story is one of loss, accountability, and the importance of allowing the legal system to complete its work based on evidence and due process.

Late last night, concern rippled through political circles and the public after reports surfaced that former President Donald Trump had been rushed to the hospital following a sudden medical emergency. The news, initially shrouded in uncertainty, quickly drew a measured and transparent response from his family, led by Barron Trump.
In an official statement released early this morning, Barron Trump provided a direct update on his father’s condition. He confirmed that Donald Trump experienced an unexpected health episode requiring urgent medical attention. According to the statement, the incident occurred without warning while Trump was at a private residence. Those nearby immediately recognized the seriousness of the symptoms and contacted emergency services without delay.
Medical personnel arrived promptly and initiated initial assessments on site. Recognizing the need for advanced care, they transported Trump to a nearby hospital equipped for high-level treatment. He remained conscious during the transfer, though symptoms were significant enough to necessitate immediate evaluation.
Upon arrival, hospital staff were prepared and acted swiftly. Doctors performed comprehensive diagnostic tests, including cardiovascular assessments, neurological evaluations, and standard emergency screenings. Barron Trump praised the medical team’s professionalism and urgency, noting that every moment was used efficiently to identify and address potential risks.
As of the latest update, Donald Trump is in stable condition and remains under close observation. The family has emphasized that while the situation was serious, it is now well-managed and under control. Barron Trump highlighted the coordinated communication between medical professionals and family members, with Melania Trump and others present at the hospital throughout the night. Updates on test results and treatment plans were shared in real time, helping to ease uncertainty during the critical early hours.
Barron also addressed the flood of concern and speculation that spread rapidly across social media. He expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the entire family for the outpouring of prayers, messages of support, and well wishes from supporters, colleagues, and even political opponents worldwide. “This support has been a source of strength for us during an intense and emotional time,” he stated.
He urged the public to rely solely on verified updates from the family or official medical sources, cautioning against unconfirmed rumors circulating online. Privacy for the former president and ongoing medical evaluations remains a priority as doctors continue their work.
Positive signs have emerged in Trump’s recovery. He is responsive, able to communicate, and receiving targeted care based on initial findings. While a final diagnosis has not yet been released, additional tests are planned over the next 24 to 48 hours to rule out underlying conditions and ensure long-term stability. The family is adopting a cautious approach, focusing entirely on health and recovery.
In his statement, Barron Trump reflected on his father’s well-known resilience, forged through decades of high-pressure challenges. Yet he acknowledged that personal health matters demand focused attention and family support. For now, all public commitments have been set aside in favor of rest and recuperation.
The public response has been swift and unifying. Messages of encouragement have poured in from across the political spectrum, temporarily shifting focus from division to shared human concern. Barron concluded by thanking everyone for their understanding and requesting continued prayers and respect for the family’s privacy.
As of this morning, Donald Trump remains under medical supervision. No discharge timeline has been set, with decisions guided strictly by medical recommendations. What started as an alarming late-night emergency has evolved into a carefully monitored situation, with the family confident in the care being provided and grateful for the broad show of support. Further updates will be shared as they become available.

Fox News anchor Bret Baier reported that President Donald Trump is highly satisfied with the progress of U.S. military operations against Iran. According to Baier, the president said the campaign has advanced faster than expected and that officials are ahead of their original timeline.
Baier said Trump credited the success of the operation to what he described as exceptional intelligence gathering. The president reportedly claimed that U.S. officials had detailed knowledge of developments inside Iran and suggested that the removal of numerous senior Iranian leaders had significantly weakened the country’s command structure.
White House correspondent Peter Doocy later explained that officials believe the military has achieved the four major objectives established for what they call Operation Epic Fury. According to the administration, those goals included destroying Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, crippling its naval forces, reducing the influence of Iran-backed militant groups, and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Doocy said administration officials are now considering winding down the operation within the coming weeks, arguing that key military targets have already been neutralized.
The report also highlighted growing disagreements between Washington and some of its allies. Questions remain about the future of U.S. relations with NATO, as President Trump has reportedly expressed frustration over what he considers insufficient support from alliance members during the Iran campaign.

In a move that has shocked palace insiders and stirred tensions within the royal household, King Charles III has issued a surprise royal decree bestowing a prestigious new title upon his sister, Princess Anne — and Queen Camilla is reportedly furious.
According to royal aides, the King, currently facing health challenges and preparing for the long-term future of the monarchy, signed a private order naming Princess Anne as “Senior Counsellor of the Crown”, a newly revived ceremonial role that grants her increased influence in matters of royal protocol and state functions. The role, historically symbolic, is being reintroduced with real authority — and Camilla, sources say, is not pleased.
“Camilla was absolutely blindsided,” said one senior court insider. “She believed that as Queen Consort, she alone would hold the King’s full confidence and partnership in royal matters. For Charles to elevate Anne in such a public and powerful way feels, to her, like a betrayal.”
The announcement came during a formal but low-key ceremony at Balmoral, where King Charles praised Anne for her “lifelong, unwavering service to the Crown and the people of the United Kingdom.” He noted that her “sense of duty, discretion, and strength of character” had earned her this honor.
Princess Anne, known for being one of the most hardworking royals, reportedly accepted the honor with humility. “She never sought more attention,” said a former royal advisor. “But the King trusts her more than almost anyone. This is a reward for a lifetime of silent, dedicated service.”
However, the mood behind palace walls is far from celebratory.
Camilla is said to have stormed out of a private meeting shortly after the announcement, reportedly asking the King: “Is this your way of pushing me aside?” Witnesses describe the Queen as “furious and humiliated,” feeling that Anne’s new title may overshadow her own influence in the public and political realm.
This is not the first time tension between Camilla and Anne has surfaced. Though the two women have kept a cordial front, sources say they have long had differing views on royal tradition, with Anne favoring stoicism and modesty — and Camilla preferring a more modern, media-savvy approach.
The public reaction to Anne’s promotion has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is filled with praise for the “Princess Royal,” with many calling it “long overdue” recognition. Royal fans have even begun referring to Anne as “the true queen of loyalty.”
Still, questions remain: Is this a quiet power shift within the monarchy? And will it widen the already delicate cracks between senior royals?
Only one thing is certain — in the House of Windsor, no gesture is ever just ceremonial. And for Camilla, the King’s decision may be the beginning of a new battle behind palace doors.

As I stood there with the letter in my hands, a whirlwind of emotions swept through me. I took a deep breath and opened the envelope, pulling out a neatly folded piece of paper. My heart was pounding as I unfolded it and began to read.
“Dear Diego,” it started, her handwriting shaky yet filled with warmth. “I know I owe you more than just an apology. You have been a beacon of kindness and selflessness in the twilight of my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
I could almost hear her gentle voice speaking through the words. As I continued to read, I realized this letter was more than just an explanation; it was a window into her world.
“You see, Diego, life wasn’t always kind to me. Over the years, I lost touch with my family, and my world became smaller and quieter. You came into my life when I had almost given up hope that someone out there still cared.”
Her words pierced my heart. I remembered all those afternoons spent chatting with her, sharing stories about my classes, or simply enjoying the silence together. I never knew how much those moments meant to her.
“In the drawer of my nightstand, you will find a small box. I want you to have it. It’s not much, but it’s the least I can do to thank you for everything you’ve done.”
Curiosity mixed with a sense of sadness as I walked to her room. The house felt emptier than ever. I found the box where she said it would be—a small wooden box with intricate carvings. Inside, there was a modest amount of money, along with a photo of her family from many years ago.
The money was more than enough to cover all those months of unpaid work and even help with my tuition fees. But the true treasure was the photo. It was a glimpse of Carmen’s life before solitude took over, a reminder of the love she once had.
As I closed the box, tears welled up in my eyes. Carmen had given me so much more than monetary compensation; she had given me a lesson in compassion, patience, and the importance of human connection.
I returned to the letter, reading her final words. “Diego, never stop being the incredible person you are. You showed me kindness when I needed it the most. I hope this small gift can help you achieve your dreams. With love, Carmen.”
Holding the letter close to my heart, I realized that Carmen’s story and my involvement in it were far from over. There were still many unanswered questions and lessons to uncover about this remarkable woman’s life.
As I left her home for the last time, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Carmen’s legacy would live on through the kindness and resilience she had inspired in me.
If you want to read more about what happens next, including how Carmen’s story continues to unfold, leave a comment below this Facebook post to let me know you’re interested in Part 3.

The Wall Street Journal — owned by Rupert Murdoch, Donald Trump’s most loyal media ally — just published one of the most damning portraits of a president in crisis ever to appear in the American press.
His tirade became such a distraction — such a hindrance to the people actually managing the crisis — that his own aides physically removed him from the situation room and opted to brief him at intervals instead. Let that sink in: the commander-in-chief was kicked out of his own war briefing by his own staff.
While his team worked to rescue two American airmen in hostile territory, Trump was “wailing throughout a nearly empty West Wing” about gas prices and European allies who wouldn’t join his war. He was obsessed with one thing above all else — not the safety of the airmen, but his own political fate.
Specifically, he was terrified of becoming Jimmy Carter. “If you look at what happened with Jimmy Carter… with the helicopters and the hostages, it cost them the election,” Trump had said in March. “What a mess.
” So, as two American pilots were missing in Iran, the president’s primary concern was whether this would cost him politically — the same calculation he made when he ignored his generals’ advice and launched the war in the first place. The pilot was rescued later that day.
The second crew member took two more days to recover. Hours after learning of the successful rescue, Trump celebrated Easter Sunday by posting a profanity-filled Truth Social message demanding Iranians “open the F—n’ Strait, you crazy b—–ds, or you’ll be living in Hell” — and signed it “Praise be to Allah.
President DONALD J. TRUMP. ” When advisers expressed alarm, Trump explained he was deliberately trying to seem “unstable and insulting” to scare Iran to the negotiating table.
Then — in perhaps the most revealing detail in the entire story — he immediately asked: “How’s it playing? ” He threatened a civilization. Signed it with a religious salutation on Easter Sunday to provoke his own Christian base.
And his first question was about his ratings. Then on Tuesday, he posted that “a whole civilization will die tonight. ” Then he backed down for the fourth time.
Then he told reporters Iran “had agreed to everything” and declared “a great victory. ” Then, less than 12 hours later, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard ship fired on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Journal that Trump “remained a steady leader our country needs” — that is, of course, if you think the country needs a leader who was kicked out of the briefing room by his own aides.
Fifty-one lawmakers have introduced legislation to invoke the 25th Amendment. Marjorie Taylor Greene called his civilization threat “evil and madness. ” Alex Jones called it a war crime.
And now Rupert Murdoch’s own newspaper is publishing accounts from senior officials describing a president in hours-long freakout, removed from crisis management by his own staff, asking “how’s it playing? ” while American pilots were missing in Iran.
How much longer can we stand this? How much longer can Trump last? With behavior like this, our country is in severe danger.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt presented a compelling statistic about how accessible President Donald Trump has been just a year into taking office and how little the public ever saw former President Joe Biden during his term.
While speaking at a media event hosted by Axios co-founder Mike Allen, Leavitt highlighted the contrast between President Donald Trump’s accessibility and that of Biden. She also pointed out that many in the media overlooked Biden’s avoidance of the media and his largely “hiding” behavior during his four years in office.
“You have tailed access to the ‘Associated Press,’ which reaches half the world’s population every day. The most definitive photo of President Trump, the fight, fight, fight photo after the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, was made by Evan Vucci, who’s the chief photographer in Washington for the ‘Associated Press.’ Do you worry about history being lost with these new restrictions?” Allen asked Leavitt.
“I don’t view them as restrictions. We view them as opening access to more outlets, more voices, more news, journalists and outlets. We shouldn’t have a few outlets who have a monopoly over the briefing room or over that 13 person press pool that covers the president. And so we’ve actually ensured that more print outlets like Axios have a greater chance of being part of that 13 person press pool,” Leavitt began.
“There are thousands of outlets who have White House press credentials. There are hundreds that actually show up every day and cover the beat. Why should a single outlet have the privilege of being in that 13 person press pool every single day. And so the changes we’ve made have actually created more transparency, more accessibility, and greater access for a broad variety of outlets and a diversity of journalists, which I think is a good thing. And we’ve seen that play out,” Leavitt added.
“I mean, we started this. I think you’re all still getting your news, right? You’re still hearing about what the administration is doing every single day, because we have good journalists who are in that room covering the president every single time,” Leavitt said.
Allen jumped in and asked: “The counter to that is in a White House Correspondents Association’s statement about the White House changes to the position of wire services in the pool. And the statement says the government should not be able to control the independent media that covers it. Do you agree with that statement?”
“Well, I think that a small group of journalists who comprise the board of the White House Correspondents Association should not dictate who gets to go into the Oval Office and who gets to ride on Air Force One. There should be equal access for all outlets,” Leavitt responded.
“And that’s exactly what we’re doing. And if we were trying, by the way, to create positive press for the president, if we were trying to make it easier on him or on the administration, we wouldn’t allow some of these fake news leftist outlets in. But we continue to do that. No one has been restricted. We’ve just given more spots to more outlets and more voices,” she said.
Leavitt concluded, “It’s not about ideology. It’s just about increasing the wide variety of outlets that have access. And we live in a digital age, and we’re recognizing that at the White House. The president ran a nontraditional media campaign, which propelled him back to the highest office in the land. And we felt it was our responsibility to continue that in our coverage at the White House.”
In July, Axios published a story titled “Biden’s media evasion,” revealing that the Democrat held fewer press conferences and media interviews than any of the last seven presidents at the same point in their term. At that time, Biden had conducted only 164, compared to Trump’s 468.
The next lowest were George W. Bush with 248 and Ronald Reagan with 262.
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