A political lid is an informal term used by politicians and their campaigns to indicate that there will be no further availability or public statements that day. It is a memorandum for reporters covering the campaign indicating that there will be no news coming out of the campaign that day. The term is used to reflect the complex relationship between politicians and the press. On one hand, politicians have a responsibility to keep the public informed about their activities and policies, and the press plays a crucial role in conveying this information. On the other hand, politicians 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.

The term "lid" is used in different contexts. In the context of political campaigns, it is used to indicate that the politician will not be answering any more press questions and is not planning any more public events or appearances for the rest of that day. For example, Joe Bidens campaign called a lid on activities for the day early in the morning, which means that there will be no further availability or public statements that day. Donald Trump mocked Joe Biden for calling a "lid" before 9 a.m..

In the context of the White House, a "lid" is what White House press secretaries use to indicate that there will be no news coming out of the White House that day. It can also be called a "full lid". A "lid" can be called at any time, but it does not necessarily mean that the Presidents workday is over or that no more newsworthy events will happen that day. The President may still have private meetings, phone calls, or other activities that are not open to the press.