Breitbart: Credentials Reporting An 'Effort To Smear'

Breitbart News lashed out at reports from BuzzFeed and The Daily Beast that it was denied a permanent Senate press pass, saying that the coverage was an effort to "smear" the publication.

"In yet another effort to smear Breitbart News, the Daily Beast rushed out an inaccurate headline about our standing with the Senate Press Gallery," Breitbart News Network Spokesman Chad Wilkinson said in a statement to The Hill Monday.

"They falsely claimed that our application for a permanent membership was denied.  In fact, the committee took no position either way and simply asked for additional information.

"In the meantime, it has extended our temporary passes."

BuzzFeed and The Daily Beast reported Monday that the alt-right, populist online outlet was denied permanent congressional press passes by the U.S. Senate Daily Press Gallery until it can provide more information about ties to conservative donors and organizations.

Both outlets did note that Breitbart would continue to receive temporary passes until the committee makes a final decision next month.

"We stand by our reporting, which is accurate and based on on-the-record quotes," a BuzzFeed spokesperson told The Hill in an email. "And — quote us on this — how can Breitbart present itself as a legitimate news outlet while crying 'fake news' at reporting it doesn't like?"

In November of 2016, Breitbart News co-founder, president and CEO Larry Solov requested permanent press credentials. He said that Executive Chairman Steve Bannon, named a top strategist to President Trump, had resigned from the news site.