Reporters from the three organizations were denied entry Saturday after President Trump accused the outlets of repeatedly publishing “fake news.”
President Trump has barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the three news organizations of publishing false and deliberately negative coverage.
“I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW … and Politico … from the White House,” President Trump announced Friday on Truth Social.
President Trump said the outlets had repeatedly published “fiction and lies” about him, his administration and the country. He also indicated that additional media organizations could face similar action.
The ban was enforced Saturday when CNN senior White House reporter Betsy Klein, MS NOW White House reporter Akayla Gardner and Politico White House reporter Cheyenne Haslett attempted to enter the White House complex. The journalists said their credentials had been deactivated and confiscated.
CNN said it stands behind its White House team and described the ban as an “illegal assault” on its constitutionally protected reporting rights.
MS NOW said it intends to take necessary steps to defend its First Amendment rights and will continue covering the administration.
Politico said it supports Haslett, will continue reporting on the White House and will defend its right to cover the federal government.
The White House had not issued a separate explanation beyond President Trump’s statements as of Saturday. The affected organizations have not yet announced whether they will file lawsuits challenging the ban.
