WASHINGTON, D.C. — The groups signing the letter are the Society of Professional Journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Press Photographers Association, the Freedom of the Press Foundation, the Coalition for Women in Journalism, the Radio Television Digital News Association, and the Media and Democracy Project. Approximately 520 individual signatories, mainly retired journalists, joined the eight organizations in addressing the association.

The document outlines specific grievances regarding recent government conduct toward the press. The letter cites recent subpoenas by the Justice Department to journalists who reported on security concerns regarding the president's Air Force One jet, a gift from Qatar. The letter states that subpoenas of journalists' phone records included the mother of one reporter and two spouses. The correspondence also cites threats by President Trump to revoke licenses of broadcasters who refuse to meet his demands.

"Our message to the White House Correspondents’ Association is now more urgent: forcefully stand up for freedom of the press in front of the President, publicly defend the journalists he attacks, and vow to resist his administration’s concerted effort to undermine the First Amendment," the letter states.

"We believe it is hypocritical to celebrate the First Amendment in front of the man who relentlessly attacks it, the letter states. The writers demanded specific actions from the organization's leadership during its interactions with the executive branch."

We urge the WHCA to condemn the administration’s actions from the podium and pledge to fight all attempts by his administration to undermine this core pillar of a functioning democracy," the letter states."

The first White House Correspondents' Association dinner in April was cut short when a gunman opened fire at the Washington Hilton. Prosecutors stated the gunman at the April dinner was attempting to assassinate President Trump.