WHCA chief warns about secret service decoy plane and press transparency

The White House Correspondents' Association's president, Jacqui Heinrich, addressed the recent revelation that the Secret Service deployed a decoy plane in Turkey amid an alleged Iranian plot against President Donald Trump. In an interview with New York Magazine, she described the episode as a shock that left reporters uneasy about their safety and the accuracy of information they receive. Heinrich outlined a two-step approach: first, confirming the well-being of the journalists on the flight, and second, briefing the managers of major news organizations about the implications.

She has circulated a letter to WHCA members warning against unintentionally publishing inaccurate details and stressing the need for post-event corrections. Heinrich added that she has engaged in discussions with White House officials, who appear to understand the association's concerns, and that work continues to improve transparency and independent coverage of the president.