From CNBC · Kevin Breuninger,Dan Mangan · · 2m
Trump bans three news outlets from White House
The president bars MS NOW, CNN and Politico over coverage he calls false, sparking First Amendment concerns.
In brief
The president bars MS NOW, CNN and Politico over coverage he calls false, sparking First Amendment concerns. Trump's ban on news outlets from White House access faces likely legal challenge on constitutional grounds, though he says it's worth doing regardless. Originally reported by CNBC.
Trump bans three outlets from White House
President Trump announced Friday he is barring MS NOW, CNN and Politico from the White House, saying they publish false stories about him and his administration.
“You get sick of it.”
Trump says ban is worth it anyway
Trump acknowledged the ban may not survive legal challenge but said it's still worthwhile to point out the outlets' coverage.
“I think it's good to point it out whether it survives or doesn't.”
CNN calls ban unconstitutional
CNN said in a statement that blocking its reporters from the White House would be an illegal assault on First Amendment rights and the public's right to information.
“Should the ban which President Trump threatened go ahead, it would be an illegal assault on that fundamental and constitutionally-protected right.”
Politico denies subsidy claims
Politico responded to Trump's accusations by saying claims it receives government subsidies are false and have been debunked, and pledged to defend its First Amendment rights.
“We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict them.”
ACLU lawyer calls ban unconstitutional
Arthur Spitzer of the American Civil Liberties Union told CNBC that Trump cannot control news coverage by banning outlets from official events based on how they report.
“The government isn't supposed to do that.”
Trump's history of press restrictions
Trump previously tried to suspend a CNN reporter's press pass in 2018 and is currently in a lawsuit over attempting to ban Associated Press journalists from the Oval Office and Air Force One.
Federal court ruled against AP ban
A federal judge ruled in April 2025 that Trump's ban on Associated Press journalists was contrary to the First Amendment, though an appeals court has paused that ruling while Trump appeals.
Press groups defend public's right to know
The White House Correspondents Association said the ban is about more than journalists' rights, it's about the American people's right to independent reporting on government activities and decisions.
“This is about more than the rights of journalists. It is about the right of the American people to receive a full and independent account.”
Pentagon backs Trump's media restrictions
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon fully supports Trump's decision and praised outlets for self-removing from the Pentagon, accusing them of endangering troops.
The essence
Trump's ban on news outlets from White House access faces likely legal challenge on constitutional grounds, though he says it's worth doing regardless.
