Throughout his campaign, Donald Trump has been wary of allowing a pool of journalists to travel with him. Following the election, it appears his stance hasn’t changed.
This morning Trump had his first unofficial meeting with a foreign leader, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Both leaders did not give access to the press. Instead, Japan’s government provided a video and photographs of the meeting.
Trump posted a photograph on his Facebook saying “It was a pleasure to have Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stop by my home and begin a great friendship.”
Photographs released also capture Ivanka Trump at the meeting with the prime minister.
#Japan prime minister Abe Shinzo voiced confidence in working with Pres-Elect #Trump in meeting Thursday. https://t.co/K3ke99uJXB pic.twitter.com/FKt72B5ncq
— Walter Ambrose (@ambrose03) November 18, 2016
While it’s certainly not unusual to have closed meetings, Trump’s attitude toward the press adds a troubling element to his visit with Abe. Additionally, the president-elect has not held a press conference since Election day.
The Trump administration has said Trump will be having the traditional press pool once inaugurated in office.