From Newsweek · · 2m
Trump Bans News Outlets From White House
Trump bans CNN, Politico, MS NOW from White House over 'fake news' claims.
In brief
Trump bans CNN, Politico, MS NOW from White House over 'fake news' claims. Trump banned CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from White House press access citing 'fake news' reporting, claiming they received government subsidies. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Trump Bans News Outlets
President Donald Trump announced Friday he is banning CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House effective immediately for 'fake news' reporting.
“I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico (The recipients of an illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription, an All Time Record, directly from the United States Government, under Crooked Joe Biden, in order to keep them 'alive.' Seems like corruption to me!), from the White House as a result of their constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS!”
White House Denies Journalists
On Saturday, White House turned away reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, confiscating entry badges and denying access to the White House grounds.
“The White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded by our tax dollars.”
MS NOW Statement
MS NOW said it will defend First Amendment rights and independent journalism, vowing to take necessary steps to protect press access despite White House restrictions.
“MS NOW intends to take any and all steps necessary to defend our First Amendment rights and the essential role of independent journalism in our democracy.”
CNN Statement
CNN stated it will continue reporting on government actions despite White House restrictions, calling the ban an illegal assault on constitutional rights to free press.
“We have a right under the U.S. Constitution to do our reporting without hindrance or interference from the government, and this ban is an illegal assault on this fundamental right.”
Politico Statement
Politico confirmed its reporter was denied White House access but vowed to defend First Amendment rights and continue fair reporting on the administration.
“We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict them.”
AP and First Amendment
Associated Press stated it will not be retaliated against for reporting, emphasizing constitutional protections for free speech and press access.
“No news organization - or person - should be retaliated against by the government over the words they use.”
WHCA Response
White House Correspondents' Association called the action a violation of First Amendment, urging immediate restoration of journalists' access.
“Today’s action revoking access for journalists from CNN, POLITICO, and MSNOW violates the First Amendment.”
Trump's Media Ban History
Trump has previously barred AP from Air Force One and Oval Office, citing AP's refusal to rename Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America.
“The AP reports that it filed a lawsuit, which remains ongoing.”
Legal Challenges
Legal experts warn Trump's ban violates First Amendment, as courts have ruled against excluding news outlets based on coverage.
“The First Amendment prohibits the president from punishing journalists because he doesn’t like their coverage.”
Outlets at Risk
Trump has threatened to exclude CNN, Politico, MS NOW, AP, Bloomberg, and Reuters from White House press access.
“The president has threatened to exclude CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House for what he infamously labels 'fake news' reporting.”
Trump's Past Actions
Trump has filed lawsuits against ABC News, CBS News, and The New York Times, calling their reporting 'corrupt news'.
“He has recently specifically taken aim at CNN's Kaitlan Collins, The Times' Maggie Haberman, Bloomberg's Catherine Lucey and ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce.”
Media Response
Media leaders warned Trump's actions risk undermining democracy by pressuring journalists to soften coverage or avoid difficult questions.
“The message today’s action sends is alarming. It tells other news organizations to soften their coverage.”
Legal Expert Opinion
Legal experts state Trump's ban is unconstitutional as press pool is a 'public forum' under First Amendment, prohibiting exclusion based on viewpoint.
“The press pool is a 'public forum' under the First Amendment, which means the president can’t exclude journalists from it on the basis of their viewpoints.”
What Happens Next
Trump's media ban faces legal challenges, with courts likely to rule against the action as it violates constitutional protections for press access.
“David Axelrod, former adviser to President Barack Obama, said no court will allow Trump's ban to stand.”
The takeaway
Trump banned CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from White House press access citing 'fake news' reporting, claiming they received government subsidies.
