From Vox · Cameron Peters · · 1m 20s
Trump bans CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from White House
The president is escalating his fight with the media by blocking three major news organizations from accessing the White House.
In brief
The president is escalating his fight with the media by blocking three major news organizations from accessing the White House. Trump's press ban likely violates the First Amendment, and courts have blocked similar attempts before, but the legal fight could take time. Originally reported by Vox.
Trump bans three major news outlets
President Trump announced he was banning CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House effective immediately, citing their "constant fake news reporting."
“a result of their constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS!”
Trump's vague justification
When asked why, Trump said it was "cumulative stories of the last two years." His "fake news" complaint typically refers to unfavorable but factually accurate reporting about him.
“it's really just cumulative stories of the last two years. You get sick of it.”
The First Amendment problem
The ban likely violates the First Amendment. A Trump-appointed judge previously ruled that if the government opens White House doors to some journalists, it cannot shut them based on viewpoint.
“Under the First Amendment, if the Government opens its doors to some journalists...it cannot then shut those doors to other journalists because of their viewpoints.”
A pattern of press attacks
Trump's second term has seen escalating media attacks beyond accusations of fake news. The Pentagon banned press from its office, and Trump has repeatedly threatened broadcast licenses for ABC and NBC.
Legal battles ahead
While the ban probably won't hold up in court, journalists may face delays getting their access restored. A similar White House press ban attempt last year was ultimately blocked by a judge.
Here's the gist
Trump's press ban likely violates the First Amendment, and courts have blocked similar attempts before, but the legal fight could take time.
