From ABC News · ABC News · · 2m
Trump bans CNN, MSNOW, Politico from White House
President Trump revoked press credentials for three major news outlets, citing inaccurate reporting and sparking First Amendment concerns.
In brief
President Trump revoked press credentials for three major news outlets, citing inaccurate reporting and sparking First Amendment concerns. Trump banned three news organizations from White House grounds, claiming they publish false stories, but the networks are fighting back on constitutional grounds. Originally…
Trump bans three news outlets
President Trump announced Friday that CNN, MSNOW, and Politico are banned from White House grounds, accusing them of publishing false stories about his administration.
“Media Outlets shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they're covering the President of the United States”
Reporters turned away Saturday
On Saturday, CNN and MSNOW reporters were denied entry to the White House. Secret Service agents deactivated their press badges and confiscated credentials.
CNN invokes constitutional rights
CNN said the ban is an illegal assault on its First Amendment right to report without government interference, standing firmly behind its White House team.
“We have a right under the U.S. Constitution to do our reporting without hindrance or interference from the government”
MSNOW defends journalism role
MSNOW said it will take all necessary steps to defend its First Amendment rights and the essential role of independent journalism in democracy.
“We stand firmly behind our anchors, our reporters, and our newsroom.”
Politico disputes subsidy claims
Politico's editor said the outlet will vigorously defend its First Amendment rights and called Trump's claim that it receives government subsidies false and thoroughly debunked.
Press association warns of precedent
The White House Correspondents Association president said the ban could set a standard to exclude any outlet based on coverage, threatening press freedom broadly.
“A standard used to exclude one news outlet because of its coverage could be applied to any outlet in the future”
Trump defends press freedom claim
Trump said he supports a free press but wants fair and honest reporting, arguing he doesn't have to grant access to outlets he views as unfair.
“I like to see honest press. You need a fair and honest press.”
History of press access battles
During Trump's first term, the White House tried to ban CNN reporter Jim Acosta, but CNN sued and won. The AP was also banned this term over a naming dispute.
Ban scope remains unclear
The White House has not clarified what the ban means in practical terms or whether restrictions on other outlets will follow as Trump suggested.
The takeaway
Trump banned three news organizations from White House grounds, claiming they publish false stories, but the networks are fighting back on constitutional grounds.
