New York Times reporter Sheryl Gay Stolberg reported from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Washington, D.C., that she was denied a press credential at Tuesday’s MAHA summit due to “limited space.”
She added: “To be clear, I was invited to this event. I received notice & applied for a credential. I received an email at 7 pm Friday saying there was no room for me. I tried to reach organizers; they didn’t reply. So I showed up this morning to ask them to reconsider.”
BIG MAHA SUMMIT today at Waldorf-Astoria. RFK Jr and Vance will speak. I was denied a press credential due to “limited space.” Here I am, having been turned away. I’m 5 feet tall. I don’t take up that much space. pic.twitter.com/5Iu3XxSTqE
— Sheryl Gay Stolberg (@SherylNYT) September 29, 2026
Fellow Times reporter Christina Jewett responded: “@nytimes turned away from MAHA Summit this morning a few days after we pointed out that the book publisher who monetized MAHA recently gave Kennedy $4 million for books that were already completed.”
[NOTE: On Wednesday, Stolberg and Jewett co-wrote the article, ‘Kennedy Drew $4 Million in Book Advances From Publisher Who Also Monetized MAHA,’ with the subhead: “A new disclosure also shows $210,000 in consulting fees paid to Cheryl Hines, the health secretary’s wife, by one of several MAHA-affiliated groups capitalizing from his agenda.”]
The Hill’s health reporter Nate Weixel also reported being denied credentials, writing on social media: “I also got the 7pm email denying credentials. Who is allowed in the room?”
I also got the 7pm email denying credentials. Who is allowed in the room? https://t.co/qfQkgl0AmR
— Nathaniel Weixel (@NateWeixel) September 29, 2026
The Washington Sun reporter Paige Cunningham was also turned away, and shared the photo below.
I am only 4 inches taller than Sheryl, and I too was told there isn’t enough space. I’m outside if anyone wants to come chat. https://t.co/KxwmV6AVeW pic.twitter.com/Iizfpd7Fn6
— Paige W. Cunningham (@pw_cunningham) September 29, 2026
The Wall Street Journal’s Liz Essley Whyte reported from inside the event: “Hello from the MAHA Summit. A number of reporters denied credentials despite empty press seats. A security guard first said he needed to escort me everywhere but now has given up I guess.”
She also shared a photo of swag bags containing free potato chips being distributed to summit attendees.
Swag bags include seed-oil-free potato chips from Vandy, a grip strength trainer, something from 23 and me, pea protein, etc pic.twitter.com/Xe5Ieas912
— Liz Essley Whyte (@l_e_whyte) September 29, 2026
Liberal political pundit Molly Jong-Fast also responded, sharing a list of speakers at the MAHA summit that included Trump administration officials — Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, CMS administrator Mehmet Oz, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin — and celebrities including Russell Brand and Mike Tyson. She wrote: “I’m going to hazard a guess as to why.”
I’m going to hazard a guess as to why pic.twitter.com/KE9ZlabJYE
— Molly Jong-Fast (@MollyJongFast) September 29, 2026