White House reporters have been caught swiping items from Air Force One to keep as souvenirs, prompting the White House Correspondents’ Association to issue a scolding to its members. The association, led by Kelly O’Donnell, warned journalists that taking items emblazoned with President Biden’s official aircraft logo was not allowed and reflected poorly on the press pool. Some reporters have allegedly taken items such as towels, cutlery, whisky tumblers, and wine glasses from the presidential jet, despite the tradition of receiving M&M candies featuring the presidential seal as giveaways since 1988.
Following a recent West Coast trip on Air Force One, crew members discovered that several items had gone missing from the press cabin. The association’s email to members was not accusatory but implied that there would be no consequences if the missing items were returned. One reporter confessed to taking an Air Force One pillowcase and discreetly returned it to a White House staffer in DC. Air Force One has been the official call sign for the president’s plane since 1953, with the fleet including two Boeing 747-200B aircraft equipped with various features, some of them classified.
Air Force One is known for its security features and capabilities, including 4,000 square feet of internal space, the capacity to hold 70 passengers and 26 crew members, and food prep galleys that can serve up to 100 people. The aircraft also has a complete medical station with an operating table and is built to withstand the impact of a nuclear blast. Additionally, Air Force One can be refueled while in flight, making it a highly sophisticated and secure mode of transportation for the president of the United States.
The issue of reporters taking items from Air Force One raises questions about ethics and professionalism within the journalism community. While the tradition of receiving presidential memorabilia on the aircraft is longstanding, the unauthorized removal of items reflects poorly on journalists as a whole. The incident also highlights the need for clear guidelines and reminders about appropriate behavior when traveling on official government aircraft.
The White House Correspondents’ Association plays a crucial role in upholding standards of conduct for journalists covering the president. Kelly O’Donnell’s warning to members about taking items from Air Force One serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity and ethical behavior in the profession. By addressing the issue discreetly and offering leniency for the return of missing items, the association aims to prevent further incidents of souvenir-swiping among reporters traveling on the presidential aircraft.
In conclusion, the incident of reporters taking items from Air Force One underscores the need for journalists to adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards while covering the president. The White House Correspondents’ Association’s response to the situation reflects its commitment to upholding integrity and respect in journalism. By addressing the issue internally and reminding members of proper conduct, the association aims to preserve the reputation and credibility of the press pool covering the president’s official travels.
