Trump announces White House reporting ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico
The announced measure, which Trump said would take effect immediately, is expected to face legal challenges over journalists’ access and First Amendment rights.
US President Donald Trump has announced that CNN, MS NOW and Politico will be barred from reporting from the White House, accusing the outlets of publishing “fake news”, “fiction” and “lies” about his administration.
Trump announced the measure on Truth Social on Friday and said it would take effect immediately. Its precise scope and practical mechanism remain unclear, while the president suggested other outlets could also face restrictions.
CNN said it stood behind its White House team and would defend its constitutional right to report without government interference. Politico said it would continue covering the administration and future governments, and would defend its First Amendment rights. MS NOW had not immediately commented.
The National Press Club and other press freedom groups condemned the announcement, arguing that access appeared to be tied to the administration’s dissatisfaction with coverage. Trump’s claim that Politico received government subsidies was also disputed by the outlet.
The dispute raises established questions about the administration’s control over access to the White House. US courts have previously ruled that credentialled journalists cannot have access denied or revoked arbitrarily or because of their coverage. In 2018, a court ordered the restoration of CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s press pass.
The announcement follows earlier restrictions on Associated Press access and wider disputes between Trump’s administration and media organisations. Legal challenges are expected, but it remains unclear what action the affected outlets will pursue or whether courts will intervene.
