Press corps expresses ‘frustration’ over lack of access to Obama

The White House press corps on Sunday expressed frustration with the lack of access given to President Obama this weekend, during his trip to Florida.

White House Correspondents Association President Ed Henry released a statement Sunday evening, saying that the press corps had not been given adequate access to the president and that the group would press for “transparency” in the future, according to a pool report.

"Speaking on behalf of the White House Correspondents Association, I can say a broad cross section of our members from print, radio, online and TV have today expressed extreme frustration to me about having absolutely no access to the President of the United States this entire weekend,” said Henry. “There is a very simple but important principle we will continue to fight for today and in the days ahead: transparency."

President Obama is currently vacationing in Palm City, Fla., where is staying at The Floridian Yacht and Golf Club, a private resort. Earlier today, Obama hit the links with professional golfer Tiger Woods and resort owner Jim Crane.

White House press aides only confirmed that Obama was golfing with Woods after the outing was first reported by Tim Rosaforte, a writer at Golf Digest. The press was not provided a photo opportunity.

The White House responded to the complaint from the press corps, insisting that the level of access was “consistent” with prior outings.

"The press access granted by the White House today is entirely consistent with the press access offered for previous presidential golf outings,” said deputy press secretary Josh Earnest, in a statement, according to the pool report. “It's also consistent with the press access promised to the White House Press Corps prior to arrival in Florida on Friday evening."

Obama is scheduled to remain in Florida until Monday night. The first lady and their daughters are “out West” on a skiing trip, according to reports. 

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