By Laws
By Laws
Bylaws of the White House Foreign Media Group (WHFMG)
As adopted on May 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
(A group based in Washington, D.C.)
Article I: Name and Purpose
Section 1. Name
The name of the group shall be the White House Foreign Media Group (“WHFMG”), hereinafter referred to as “the Group.” The Group is nonprofit, organized and operated exclusively for journalistic, educational, and professional development purposes. It shall not operate for profit.
Section 2. Purpose
The purpose of the Group is to:
Represent, support, and organize foreign media covering the U.S. presidency
Facilitate inclusion in the White House press pool system
Advocate for the interests of foreign correspondents at the White House
Defend access to the White House and government institutions for the foreign press
Uphold journalistic integrity, freedom of the press, and ethical standards
Serve as a liaison with the White House Press Office, Foreign Press Center, U.S. departments, embassies, and other institutions
Provide networking, support, and professional development for members
Educate the public and international community on the role of the foreign press
Operate as an independent, nonpartisan body free from political or corporate influence
Article II: Membership
Section 1. Eligibility
Open to foreign correspondents who:
Are accredited to the White House by the White House Press Office
Are accredited to the U.S. Congress by the appropriate gallery
Are accredited to the Foreign Press Center and/or U.S. Department of State
Work for foreign-based or international media serving non-U.S. audiences
Adhere to the WHFMG Code of Ethics
Section 2. Membership Categories
Tier 1: Based in D.C. and cover the White House at least 3 days/week, holding all three credentials. Eligible for pool and elections.
Tier 2: Based in D.C. area, cover U.S. policy, hold at least the White House credential. Not eligible for pool or office.
Section 3. Rights of Members
All members have voting rights. Only Tier 1 members may be elected to the Executive Committee.
Section 4. Admission and Termination
Applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee
No cap on number of members
Membership may be terminated by vote of the Executive Committee for:
Violating the bylaws or Code of Ethics
Misrepresentation of credentials
Conduct harmful to the group’s mission
Article III: Governance and Officers
Section 1. Executive Committee
The Group shall be governed by a five-member Executive Committee:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Two Members at Large
Section 2. Duties
President: Leads the Group, chairs meetings, represents WHFMG
Vice President: Assists the President, assumes duties if President steps down
Secretary: Manages records, communication, and minutes
Members at Large: Represent the general membership
Section 3. Terms
One-year term. May be re-elected for one additional consecutive term.
Section 4. Elections
Held at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), in person or remotely
Elected by majority vote
Vacancies filled by special election
Section 5. Membership and Ethics Committee
7 members appointed by the Executive Committee
Reviews and decides on applications
Reviews and recommends changes to membership criteria
Conducts reviews confidentially
Majority vote required to accept or reject applicants
Article IV: Meetings
Section 1. Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Held annually in Washington, D.C., with 30 days’ notice. May be held in person or virtually.
Section 2. Regular Meetings
Held quarterly. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Committee.
Section 3. Decision-Making
Decisions require a majority vote of those present.
Article V: Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Section 1. Principles
Members agree to:
Maintain impartiality and objectivity
Avoid activism or political advocacy in Group activities
Prioritize collective benefit in pool or Group roles
Uphold high standards of accuracy, fairness, and independence
Respect privacy and dignity of sources
Avoid conflicts of interest
Comply with credentialing protocols
Maintain decorum and professionalism in all settings
Section 2. Disciplinary Action
Complaints are submitted to the Membership Committee
Reviews are confidential and include opportunity for response
Final recommendations go to the Executive Committee
Sanctions include warning, suspension, or termination
Article VI: Affiliation and Representation
The Group may collaborate with:
Other journalist groups and associations
Foreign press associations in other jurisdictions
Media education and press freedom organizations
Legal groups supporting journalistic rights