Trump bans MS NOW, CNN and Politico from White House

US President Donald Trump has announced that MS NOW, CNN and Politico are banned from the White House, a decision that takes effect immediately. The move represents a significant escalation in tensions between the executive branch and the press, following earlier restrictions imposed on the Associated Press in February 2025.

The ban was communicated via the President’s Truth Social account on Friday, 18 September 2026. Trump accused the three outlets of spreading "FICTION and LIES" and engaging in "constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!" as the primary justification for their removal.

While the President frequently criticises mainstream media for what he describes as biased coverage, this specific action marks a shift from verbal criticism to formal exclusion. The decision is expected to be challenged on First Amendment grounds, as the US Constitution generally states that the government cannot restrict access to the press.

Legal experts anticipate that the ban could be tested in court, potentially before the end of the day. Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher reported from Washington that the dispute serves as a critical test for press freedom under the current administration.

The announcement was made solely through social media, with formal administrative procedures potentially still pending. It remains unclear whether the ban will be codified in an official White House press release or remain a social media directive.

For investors and institutions monitoring US policy, the dispute highlights the growing friction between the White House and the media landscape. The outcome of the anticipated legal challenge will determine whether the ban stands as a precedent for future press access restrictions.