US President Donald Trump's administration on Friday banned reporters from accessing a core part of the White House press office without an appointment, citing the need to protect "sensitive material."

Journalists are now barred if they do not have prior approval to access the area in the West Wing known as Upper Press -- which is where Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's office is located.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the move, saying without providing evidence that reporters had been "ambushing" cabinet secretaries in the area and secretly recording video and audio.

"This memorandum directs the prohibition of press passholders from accessing... 'Upper Press,' which is situated adjacent to the Oval Office, without an appointment," said a memo from the White

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