The U.S. Treasury Department has denied accreditation to several reporters from prominent news organizations for this week’s G20 finance meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, according to statements from the affected media outlets. The G20 summit, which brings together finance ministers and central bankers from the world’s largest economies, is being hosted by the United States, which holds the rotating presidency this year.

Reporters from The New York Times, Bloomberg News, and The Wall Street Journal were reportedly barred from covering the event. Bloomberg News said that its journalists based in the United States, France, Italy, Japan, and China were all denied access without explanation from the Treasury. A Bloomberg spokesperson criticized the decision, stating that it “undermines media freedom and public accountability,” and affirmed the organization’s commitment to advocating for full press access.

The New York Times also confirmed that its economic policy reporter was excluded, despite extensive experience covering similar international meetings, although its Berlin bureau chief received credentials. A spokesperson for the Times described the exclusion as “a blatant attempt to evade public scrutiny” and suggested it represented a broader pattern of restrictions on independent journalism during the Trump administration’s second term. The spokesperson highlighted the high stakes of this year’s summit, with issues including tensions in Iran, sanctions, bond markets, and inflation expected to be central topics affecting both the global economy and the American public.

The Treasury Department, however, defended its decision, noting that nearly 300 media representatives from about a dozen countries were granted access to the meeting. A Treasury spokesperson emphasized that those covering the event would have “a high level of access to policymakers” but added that responsible reporting was expected. The spokesperson cautioned against media coverage driven by “clicks, engagement, or sensationalism,” urging adherence to established journalistic standards.

The Wall Street Journal did not respond to requests for comment on the reports that its reporters were denied credentials.

The incident marks a notable restriction on press access as the U.S. hosts a major international economic forum, raising questions about transparency and media freedom amid ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges.