Treasury is blocking reporters from the NYT, WSJ, and Bloomberg from the G20 meeting

The US Treasury Department has prohibited several prominent journalists from covering the ongoing G20 finance meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, according to media organizations. This unprecedented action comes as the United States holds the rotating presidency of the G20 group of nations this year, and the Treasury Department is overseeing access to the discussions where finance ministers and central bankers gather.

However, certain reporters from The New York Times, Bloomberg News, and The Wall Street Journal were reportedly denied credentials, despite multiple requests for accreditation, without any clear explanation provided by the Treasury. Bloomberg News spokesperson stated that this decision undermines media freedom and public accountability, promising to continue advocating for full press access while reporting fairly and accurately on the proceedings.

The New York Times also expressed outrage, calling the rejection a "blatant attempt to evade public scrutiny." The White House has been tightening press access in recent times, with the Defense Department classifying its press office and other measures. With significant issues such as the Iran war, sanctions, bond markets, and inflation on the agenda, the G-20 finance ministers meeting carries considerable weight for the global economy and American citizens.

The Times spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining high journalistic standards, stating that coverage should focus on factual information rather than sensationalism or clicks. The Treasury spokesperson clarified that nearly 300 media representatives from around a dozen countries would be granted access, stressing the responsibility of media personnel to provide accurate reporting. The Wall Street Journal declined to comment on the reports of its journalists being barred.