Code of Conduct

Effective Date: June 01, 2025

Preamble

The White House Foreign Media Group (WHFMG) is committed to promoting journalistic integrity, accountability, and transparency in reporting from the White House and on matters relating to U.S. foreign policy. This Code of Ethics outlines the principles and standards of professional conduct to which all members must adhere. Our aim is to safeguard the public trust, ensure factual and unbiased reporting, and foster mutual respect among journalists, government officials, and the public.

I – PRINCIPLES

1. Commitment to Truth

Strive for honesty, accuracy, balance, and fairness in all reporting.

Verify information before publication or broadcast; never knowingly publish false or misleading material.

Clearly distinguish verified facts from opinion, speculation, and commentary.

Anonymous sources should only be used when the information is essential and cannot be obtained through named sources, and their credibility must be thoroughly vetted.

2. Independence and Impartiality

WHFMG members must avoid conflicts of interest. They shall not accept gifts, favors, or special treatment that could compromise journalistic independence or create a perception of bias.

Maintain full editorial independence from all governmental, political, corporate, or advocacy interests.

Avoid conflicts of interest or relationships that may compromise, or appear to compromise, impartiality or journalistic judgment.

Disclose any unavoidable conflicts in a timely and transparent manner.

3. Integrity and Fairness

Treat sources, subjects, colleagues, and the public with respect and dignity.

Provide the right of reply when reporting allegations or criticism.

Refrain from sensationalism, distortion, or manipulative framing.

4. Accountability

Take responsibility for the consequences of reporting.

Promptly correct errors or inaccuracies in a transparent manner.

Encourage ethical discussions within newsrooms and among colleagues.

II – PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 

1. Credentialing and Access

Comply with all credentialing procedures, rules, and security regulations issued by the White House Press Office and U.S. Secret Service.

2.  Press Events

Maintain professional decorum in press briefings, stakeouts, pool assignments, and public appearances. Do not disrupt proceedings, obstruct others, or engage in verbal or physical altercations.

Respect the speaking turns and assignments of colleagues, including during foreign-language translation or simultaneous interpretation.

3. Respect for Colleagues

Treat fellow correspondents with respect regardless of nationality, media affiliation, or viewpoint.

Discrimination, harassment, or intimidation of any kind is strictly prohibited. Members must foster an inclusive, safe, and equitable environment.

Do not defame, undermine, or intentionally disrupt another journalist’s reporting.

Promote a collegial and collaborative working environment.

III – SOURCING AND USE OF INFORMATION

1. Transparency of Sources, Anonymous Sources and Confidentiality

Attribute information to sources whenever possible and provide context about their relevance or interests.

Members must take appropriate steps to secure sensitive information and digital communication, particularly when dealing with whistleblowers, foreign governments, or intelligence-related matters.

Journalists must protect the identity of confidential sources unless legally compelled and only after all reasonable efforts to resist disclosure have been exhausted.

Avoid anonymous sources except when essential and only after attempts to obtain on-the-record confirmation.

Clearly explain why anonymity was granted and what verification steps were taken.

Be vigilant in identifying potential motives of anonymous sources.

Honor promises of confidentiality and protect the identities of confidential sources unless released from such obligation.

Understand the legal and ethical implications of protecting sources in cross-jurisdictional contexts.

IV – INDEPENDENCE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST

1.Political Activity

Refrain from participating in political advocacy or campaigns while serving as a White House foreign correspondent.

Avoid posting partisan views on personal or professional social media platforms that may compromise perceived neutrality.

2. Personal Interests

Avoid reporting on matters where personal, financial, familial, or organizational interests may impair independence.

Disclose all relationships or financial interests that may affect perception of bias.

V - COVERAGE OF SENSITIVE OR CLASSIFIED INFORMATION

1. National Security Considerations

Journalists must weigh the public’s right to know against the potential harm that might result from disclosing classified or sensitive information. When in doubt, consultation with editors and legal advisors is essential.

2. Ethical Leaks

While leaks can serve the public interest, journalists must scrutinize motivations behind leaks and exercise judgment in reporting them.

VI - DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA ETHICS

1. Online Behavior

Maintain ethical standards in social media interactions consistent with professional conduct.

Avoid sharing unverified claims, rumors, or emotionally charged misinformation.

2. Personal Accounts

Separate personal opinions from professional reporting when using personal social media accounts.

Do not present speculation or opinion as fact on platforms where one is identified as a journalist.

3. Corrections and Deletions

Publicly correct digital content when errors are identified.

Do not delete published content without acknowledging the reason or providing a corrected version.

VII – COMPLAINTS, VIOLATIONS, AND ENFORCEMENT

1. Filing a Complaint

Any member of WHFMG, subject of a report, or member of the public may file a written complaint with the Membership Committee.

2. Investigation Procedure

The Membership Committee shall assess the complaint’s merit and notify the accused party.

Both parties shall be given an opportunity to provide documentation and response.

Investigations shall be completed promptly, fairly, and confidentially.

3. Disciplinary Actions

Following investigation, the Committee may recommend to the Executive Committee one or more of the following:

Dismissal of the complaint

Formal warning

Temporary suspension of membership rights;

Censure or public reprimand;

Expulsion from WHFMG.

4. Right of Appeal

Members subject to discipline may appeal to an independent review panel composed of three WHFMG members not involved in the original decision. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of notification.

VIII – EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT

All members must affirm their understanding of and commitment to this Code upon joining WHFMG and renewing membership.

The Code of Ethics shall be reviewed and revised every three years by the Membership Committee and submitted for membership approval.