Trump bans three news outlets

Trump barred CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from White House grounds, citing coverage he disliked. Even his own staff were caught off guard by the sudden announcement.

Staff scrambled to explain the ban

High-level White House aides were unaware beforehand and struggled to explain the policy in the hours after it took effect. Trump's chief of staff was absent from the building when he announced it.

Vice President contradicted Trump's language

Trump said he was banning the outlets, but VP JD Vance told reporters Trump was just denying them special White House access, not actually banning them.

“We're not going to give you special access to the White House if you engage in what is effectively propaganda.”

Reporters lost their credentials

CNN's Betsy Klein and Politico's Cheyenne Haslett had their White House press credentials confiscated when they tried to enter the grounds on Saturday.

TV pool coverage collapsed

CNN was supposed to provide TV pool coverage for other networks, but when barred, NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox refused to step in, leaving no pool coverage of the president.

The ban backfired immediately

Without pool cameras present, Newsmax couldn't air Trump's remarks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony because there was no microphone. The president couldn't be heard.

“There's no microphone because the pool cameras aren't there. So maybe, Tim, this is one example of it backfiring just a little bit.”

Three outlets sued Trump

CNN, MSNBC, and Politico filed suit Monday, arguing the ban violates due process and First Amendment protections. A federal judge set a hearing for Wednesday on a temporary restraining order.

History repeating from first term

Trump barred CNN reporter Jim Acosta during his first term. A judge ordered the administration to restore his pass, and it did. The same judge is now hearing the current case.

Voters care about prices, not press

Polling shows voters worry most about inflation and cost of living. In an NBC News poll, voters cited inflation, jobs, healthcare, and immigration as top issues. News coverage wasn't even an option.

Trump's drug price plan was winning

Internal White House polling showed Trump's effort to reduce prescription drug costs was his most popular issue. The media ban overshadowed this messaging entirely.

Republicans distancing themselves

GOP candidates in competitive races are increasingly separating from Trump. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar released an ad criticizing his mass deportation agenda. Others spoke out against the Iran war.

Strategist warns of lost time

Republican strategist Maura Gillespie said Trump's focus on an arch near Arlington and media bans ignores gas prices over four dollars and younger voters struggling with housing costs.

“None of that addresses the gas prices being over $4. None of that addresses the younger voters who are struggling to afford their first home.”

Less than 45 days to election

A former Republican National Committee communications director said voters haven't heard Trump's message on lowering prices in three days. That's a problem for Republicans on the ballot.

“We're less than 45 days out from the election and for the last three days no voter has heard anything about what Donald Trump wants to do to lower prices.”

Trump's unpredictability frustrates allies

Trump has zigzagged on Iran, threatened to annihilate the country, then called leaders rational, then called them scum. A Republican senator said Trump is unpredictable and trusts his gut.

“He's very unpredictable. He calls it trusting his gut.”

Iran war spiking gas prices

Gas prices have spiked since the Trump administration and Israel launched war against Iran on February 28. This is creating backlash within the GOP as voters feel squeezed at the pump.

Iowa senator reverses on Iran war

Rep. Ashley Hinson, facing a tough Senate race, called for an immediate end to the Iran war Monday. She had previously voted against resolutions directing Trump to stop it six times.

“Iowans are being squeezed and shouldn't have to foot the bill at the pump or the checkout line for the war in Iran.”

Pat Boone tells Trump to be quiet

The 92-year-old singer released a video Friday suggesting Trump is tired and wearing out. Boone urged him to be quiet and said his recent behavior is not presidential.

“Right now, I feel like you're very tired. So may I recommend something very highly: that you be quiet.”

Trump's approval hits second-term low

Trump's approval rating in a new NBC News poll stands at 41 percent, a second-term low. Recent setbacks include the Federal Reserve raising rates and the Supreme Court blocking his mail-in voting restrictions.