White House reporter sues Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre for alleged discrimination

Cameroonian journalist Simon Ateba filed a federal lawsuit against the Secret Service and the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre after they allegedly had his press credentials unfairly revoked.

The correspondent alleges that the decision to withdraw his credentials violates both the First and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution because the modified credentialing criteria are “specifically designed” to exclude him. However, he clarified that this lawsuit is not only about him but also about maintaining freedom of the press: “holding those in power accountable—regardless of whether they like us, agree with our questions, or even read our publications.”

Ateba explained in his lawsuit that, despite his pass, the White House generally ignores his questions, prompting him to interrupt and speak up during press conferences, even when not called upon, in an attempt to get the information he needs to provide quality coverage to his readers.

The journalist criticized that the president’s official residence seems to be getting rid of those who ask them difficult questions. He has asked for his press pass to be returned and requested that the Secret Service declare that the decision to exclude him was " arbitrary " and “capricious.”

“Today, President Joe Biden is in power. Tomorrow, it might be someone else. Regardless of who holds the office, no President should have the authority to decide who covers them. Today, the arbitrary new rules target me; tomorrow, they might target you. This isn’t about just one individual; it’s about a free press, the cornerstone of democracy. In a democracy, people have a right to know, and journalists have a duty to tell,” said Ateba.

White House reduces number of accredited journalists

The Biden Administration has greatly reduced the number of reporters with access to the White House. In recent months, more than 400 journalists have already lost their credentials due to a set of restrictive measures announced by the government last May.

Center for American Liberty behind the lawsuit

Ateba is being assisted in its lawsuit by the Center for American Liberty, a non-profit law firm dedicated to defending free speech.