Donald Trump has taken a severe move to restrict press freedom. He says it will now be determined by him and the White House press team who covers the presidency.

He’s taking the power away from the White House Correspondents Association.

This follows Trump banning the Associated Press from the White House for not agreeing to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. At the Pentagon, the Trump administration has moved out news outlets it doesn’t like, and done the same thing at the White House.

We’re in uncharted water now for the United States. The WHCA WHite House relationship has been sacrosanct since 1914. But exactly on track for a fascist takeover. What’s happening now is the most extreme test ever of the First Amendment.

This is a dark day in American history. Trump must be stopped.

Eugene Daniels of the WHCA responded immediately.

“This move tears at the independence of a free press in the United States. It suggests the government will choose the journalists who cover the president. In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps.

“For generations, the working journalists elected to lead the White House Correspondents’ Association board have consistently expanded the WHCA’s membership and its pool rotations to facilitate the inclusion of new and emerging outlets.

“Since its founding in 1914, the WHCA has sought to ensure that the reporters, photographers, producers and technicians who actually do the work – 365 days of every year – decide amongst themselves how these rotations are operated, so as to ensure consistent professional standards and fairness in access on behalf of all readers, viewers and listeners.

“To be clear, the White House did not give the WHCA board a heads up or have any discussions about today’s announcements. But the WHCA will never stop advocating for comprehensive access, full transparency and the right of the American public to read, listen to and watch reports from the White House, delivered without fear or favor.”