ASHEVILLE: The US Treasury has barred several journalists from major news organisations from covering this week’s G20 finance meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, prompting criticism over press freedom and public accountability.
The United States holds the rotating G20 presidency this year, with the Treasury Department overseeing media access to talks involving finance ministers and central bank chiefs from major economies.
However, reporters from Bloomberg News, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal were denied credentials, according to the organisations and media reports.
US Treasury Faces Press Freedom Criticism
Bloomberg said its reporters based in the United States, France, Italy, Japan and China were denied access, with no explanation provided for the rejected accreditation requests.
A Bloomberg spokesperson said restricting access “undermines media freedom and public accountability”, adding that the organisation would continue advocating for full press access.
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The New York Times said its experienced economic policy reporter was also excluded, although its Berlin bureau chief received credentials.
The newspaper described the decision as an attempt to avoid public scrutiny.
The controversy comes as President Donald Trump’s administration has tightened media access in several areas during his second term.
G20 Finance Talks Carry Global Significance
The meeting comes amid major economic challenges, with the Iran war, sanctions, bond markets and inflation expected to feature in discussions.
The Treasury defended its arrangements, saying nearly 300 media representatives from around a dozen countries would be welcomed at the event.
A Treasury spokesperson said journalists would have a high level of access to policymakers but stressed that such access carried a responsibility to provide factual reporting consistent with established journalistic standards.
The spokesperson added that coverage should not prioritise “clicks, engagement, or sensationalism”.
The G20 gathering is expected to attract significant international attention as policymakers discuss issues affecting both the US and global economies.
