The letter – dated 21 November and marked ‘hand delivery’ – was addressed to White House press secretary Jay Carney.

The letter claims photographers are routinely denied the right to photograph the President while he is performing official duties.

It was signed by 38 news outlets, including Associated Press, The Washington Post, CNN and Getty Images.

The White House says certain events are off limits to photographers because they are ‘private’.

Paul Colford, director of media relations at Associated Press, last night told Amateur Photographer there has been no formal response from the White House, as far he was aware.

Certain US newspapers, including USA Today, have since refused to publish ‘handout’ photographs distributed by the White House, in protest at the restrictions.

‘We are seeing more and more photo decisions like this,’ Colford added.