White House blocks CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters after Trump ban
Correspondents were reportedly denied entry after Donald Trump accused the outlets of publishing “fake news”, prompting claims of unconstitutional interference and possible legal action.
White House correspondents for CNN, MS NOW and Politico were reportedly denied access to the US president’s office and residence on Saturday, a day after Donald Trump announced bans on the three media outlets.
Trump cited what he called “fake news” coverage, but did not specify the reports that prompted the move. He also warned that other outlets could face similar treatment without identifying them.
MS NOW said the White House belonged to the American people, while CNN described the ban as an illegal assault on its constitutional right to report without government interference. The organisations said they would continue covering the US government.
Reporters from the three outlets were reportedly stopped at security checkpoints. MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner and CNN’s Betsy Klein said their access badges did not work. Politico editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger said the Secret Service confiscated reporter Cheyenne Haslett’s access pass.
Press freedom groups, including Reporters Without Borders, condemned the restrictions and said legal action could follow. The legal status and duration of the bans, and whether court challenges will be filed, remain unclear.
Trump has previously restricted media access. During his first term, a court overturned his ban on CNN reporter Jim Acosta. His administration has also barred The Associated Press from some events and tightened control over which outlets can participate in White House media pools.
