A "lid" is a term used in politics to indicate that there will be no more news coming out of the White House or a presidential campaign that day. It is an informal term used to signal to reporters that there will be no additional press briefings or photo opportunities. Calling a lid does not necessarily mean that the President or candidates workday is over or that no more newsworthy events will happen that day. They may still have private meetings, phone calls, or other activities that are not open to the press. The term has been around for decades, but it was popularized by fictional Press Secretary C.J. Cregg on TV show The West Wing. The practice of calling a lid reflects the complex relationship between the White House and the press. On one hand, the White House has a responsibility to keep the public informed about the Presidents activities and the administrations policies, and the press plays a crucial role in conveying this information. On the other hand, the President and their staff also need time and space to work without constant media scrutiny, and certain activities and discussions need to remain private for reasons of security or diplomacy.