Karoline Leavitt Claims Reporters Found Spying On WH Staff

"We have taken over the responsibilities of the National Security Council, thanks to the restructuring of Secretary [Marco] Rubio when he became National Security Advisor. Steven Cheung and I are responsible for all communications matters, including national security. And so we felt it became very inappropriate for reporters to be loitering around sensitive information in our offices. And we did, unfortunately, catch some unruly reporters recording us without our permission, listening in on conversations, eavesdropping."

"Leavitt further claimed that despite backlash to the decision, some reporters have said they are okay with the change as long as appointments are actually granted. I give them as much time as I possibly can on my schedule, she said. Although a lot of my time is with the president and in the Oval Office and sitting in on meetings."

Access to the press secretary's Upper Press office was restricted after reporters previously roamed freely there. Responsibilities for national security communications were transferred to White House communications staff following a restructuring when Marco Rubio became National Security Advisor, making Steven Cheung and White House press staff responsible for communications and national security matters. Reporters were reported loitering near sensitive information, secretly recording staff, listening to conversations and eavesdropping during staff meetings. Reporters also heckled officials arriving for briefings. Appointments are now required to access the office, and press time is granted on schedule when possible despite heavy Oval Office and presidential meeting commitments.

Read at www.mediaite.com