GOP may close convention to press, but decision reportedly not final
For the first time in modern American history, it looks like reporters will not be able to recover the Republican National Convention in person.
The scaled-back convention, set to take place between August 21-24 in Charlotte, North Carolina, will reportedly be closed to the press this year, although an official said the decision is not final and press coverage options are still being considered for the event. A convention spokesperson on Saturday said the decision as it stands right now was the result of "health restrictions and limitations in place within" North Carolina amid the coronavirus pandemic. The news was first reported by The Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
Journalists weren't pleased with the possibility. The Associated Press reporter Zeke Miller, president of the White House Correspondents' Association, called the decision "ill-advised" since the nomination of President Trump "is very much the business of the American people," while The New York Times' Maggie Haberman noted it appears to be a contradictory move on Trump's part.
“Barring a last-minute change, this will be the first Republican presidential nominating convention in history where reporters are not admitted.” The president is both angry at coronavirus-related closures and using the cover they provide to bar press. https://t.co/oegS8Vxgm9
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) August 1, 2020
If the rules are not changed, the entire convention still won't be completely private: A Republican official told CNN that the proceedings on the Monday of the convention, including the vote to formally nominate Trump, will be live-streamed. Read more at CNN and The Associated Press.
More stories from theweek.com
The most damning inside portrait of the Trump administration yet
5 brutally funny cartoons about Bill Barr’s brand of justice
Why Democratic voters might stay home on Election Day
