Overview
- The Atlantic, citing two administration officials, reports the number has been offered in suspected horse-trading and black‑market deals among influence brokers.
- Officials say CEOs have offered cash and crypto investors cryptocurrency to obtain the number.
- Journalists have traded high‑profile contacts, including other world leaders’ numbers, to get the direct line.
- Off‑the‑cuff phone comments to outlets, including remarks on strikes against Iran, have moved oil and stock markets before later walk‑backs.
- The White House calls the access transparency and says there is no plan to change the number, even as aides describe nonstop reporter calls.