The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has initiated a campaign to curb the practice of journalists taking souvenirs from Air Force One presidential aircraft. This directive comes after the White House press office noticed missing items following a recent presidential trip.
For years, journalists traveling on Air Force One have taken items such as pillowcases, glasses, and even gold-rimmed plates as keepsakes. The White House Travel Office acknowledges this as a somewhat common practice, but is aiming to curtail it.
Prior to the WHCA’s directive, the press office, led by former director Brie Moore, offered amnesty to journalists who might have unintentionally or intentionally taken souvenirs. This offer, which promised anonymity for the return of pilfered items, resulted in the return of only one Air Force One-embroidered pillowcase.
The White House emphasizes that the goal is not to punish past souvenir collectors, but rather to deter future thefts. The concern lies in the cumulative effect of these “petty” thefts, as one former official described them.
While the White House offers official merchandise, including presidential M&Ms, journalists seem to value the exclusivity of onboard items. The allure lies in obtaining items that are not commercially available, such as the specific glassware used on Air Force One.
Misha Komadovsky, a White House correspondent, defends his collection of Air Force One memorabilia, which includes a paper cup and a box of M&Ms signed by the president. However, his justification of “forgetting” a cup highlights the blurred line between an oversight and souvenir-taking.
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