White House reporters have been warned by their professional organization, the White House Correspondents’ Association, to stop taking items from Air Force One as souvenirs. In an email sent last month, journalists were scolded for pilfering various items adorned with the logo of President Biden’s official aircraft. The association, led by NBC News Senior White House Correspondent, Kelly O’Donnell, cautioned that removing such items was prohibited and reflected poorly on the press pool as a whole. The tradition of giving reporters small boxes of M&Ms with the presidential seal dates back to 1988 under President Ronald Reagan, replacing packs of cigarettes that had been the standard giveaway for decades.
Despite the sweet treats provided by the White House, reports indicate that some journalists have taken items such as towels, cutlery, whisky tumblers, and wine glasses from Air Force One over the years. Following a recent West Coast trip on the aircraft, crew members noticed that a number of items from the press cabin had gone missing. O’Donnell’s email to colleagues, while not accusatory, suggested that missing items be returned, offering a no-harm, no-foul reprieve. One journalist confessed to taking an official Air Force One pillowcase, which was quietly returned after a discreet exchange with a White House staffer at Lafayette Square in DC.
Air Force One has served as the official call sign for the president of the United States’ plane since 1953. The presidential fleet, which includes two Boeing 747-200B aircraft since 1990, is equipped with numerous classified features. The aircraft boasts 4,000 square feet of interior space and can accommodate up to 70 passengers and 26 crew members. Air Force One is equipped with two food prep galleys serving up to 100 people and a complete medical station complete with an operating table. Additionally, the military-grade aircraft is designed to withstand the electromagnetic pulse of a nuclear blast and can be refueled while in flight.
The warning from the White House Correspondents’ Association regarding items being taken from Air Force One was intended to address a long-standing issue among journalists. While the practice of providing journalists with small giveaways like M&Ms bearing the presidential seal may have initially been an attempt to discourage souvenir-taking, it appears to have been insufficient for some reporters. However, the tone of the association’s email was not accusatory, suggesting that a no-harm, no-foul approach could be taken if the missing items were returned. The discreet return of an Air Force One pillowcase by a journalist after the email further highlighted the ongoing issue.
Pilfering items from Air Force One by journalists reflects poorly on the press pool as a whole, according to the White House Correspondents’ Association. These items, ranging from towels to glassware, are emblazoned with the logo of President Biden’s official aircraft and are not intended to be taken as souvenirs. Despite the prestige associated with travelling on Air Force One, journalists are expected to respect the integrity of the presidential aircraft and refrain from taking unauthorized items. The association’s warning to members serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with reporting from such a highly visible and historic aircraft.
In addition to the warning issued by the White House Correspondents’ Association, the practice of journalists taking items from Air Force One raises concerns about the security and integrity of the presidential aircraft. Crew members reported missing items from the press cabin, prompting an investigation and the email from the association. Journalists are encouraged to uphold professional standards and adhere to ethical guidelines while covering events on Air Force One. By refraining from taking souvenirs and respecting the privacy and sanctity of the aircraft, journalists can maintain their credibility and uphold the principles of responsible reporting while on assignment with the president of the United States.
