Trump Announces White House Ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico
President Donald Trump declared on Friday that the White House would no longer allow CNN, MS NOW, and Politico access due to what he characterized as their continuous dissemination of ‘fake news.’
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MS NOW … and Politico … from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!”
During a session with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated his decision, pointing to the “cumulative stories” the three media organizations have produced over time. He expressed frustration, saying, “You get sick of it.” Trump rebuffed claims that he was attempting to suppress journalistic activities.
CNN has traditionally been part of a rotating group of five networks, including Fox News, that accompany the president globally. It was chosen to lead network pool coverage for Trump’s upcoming United Nations General Assembly attendance.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Republican Governor of Arkansas and former White House press secretary, was present during the Oval Office healthcare-focused event. She dismissed allegations that Trump is against press freedom, asserting, “I think it’s hard for you to argue against a free press when you’re literally standing in the Oval Office asking questions of the president of the United States.” Sanders emphasized Trump’s accessibility to the press.
Earlier attempts by the Trump administration to bar certain outlets and journalists have been overturned by federal judges. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with ongoing ‘fake news’ reports, suggesting there should be measures to prevent them. He mentioned, “I don’t think that a court should allow fake news to be written day, after day, after day. I think that somebody has a right to keep them away.”
Despite the announcement, Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy observed that CNN still broadcasted live from outside the White House. However, senior officials notified CNN, MS NOW, and Politico that their journalists would be prohibited from entering White House grounds starting Saturday.
In response, CNN issued a statement affirming its support for its White House team and their reporting. The network highlighted its constitutional right to report without governmental interference and indicated that pursuing the ban would constitute an illegal act against constitutionally protected freedoms.
Politico also responded, stating its intent to continue fair reporting on the White House and defend First Amendment rights vigorously. MS NOW chose not to comment on the situation at this time.