Earlier this year, the White House issued a warning, stating that if Ateba’s disruptive behavior persisted, his press room credentials would be revoked.
“The White House recognizes that members of the press often raise their voices or shout questions at press briefings or events,” the letter stated. “Ordinarily, such shouting stops when a reporter is called on for a question, and the briefing or event is able to continue. Continued interruptions are different; they prevent journalists from asking questions or administration officials and guests from responding.”
Ateba referenced the letter in a tweet posted in July, drawing attention to an article published by The Washington Post with a headline claiming that he was “making himself the story at the White House.”
He alleged it was nothing more than a “hit piece meant to prevent me from renewing my hard pass.”