Trump Bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico From White House, Accuses Outlets of ‘Fake News’
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US President Donald Trump has announced a ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the three media organisations of repeatedly publishing what he described as “fake news.”
Trump made the announcement in a post on his social media platform on Friday, September 18, saying the ban was effective immediately.
In the post, Trump accused the outlets of reporting what he called “fiction and lies” about his administration and the United States.
He also warned that other media organisations could face similar restrictions.
“Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America,” Trump wrote.
Trump cites $8 million Politico subscription
Trump also singled out Politico over an alleged $8 million subscription expenditure by the Biden administration.
He claimed the publication received the money directly from the US government during Joe Biden’s presidency and described the payment as an attempt to keep the organisation operating.
Trump said the payment appeared to him to amount to corruption.
The Washington Post reported that Trump later said his decision to revoke Politico’s access was connected to the $8 million the Biden administration had spent on subscriptions to the publication.
The Biden administration and Politico have disputed the characterization of the spending as an improper government payment. The issue has been the subject of continuing political controversy.
White House enforces ban
The announcement moved from a social-media declaration to an actual restriction on Saturday.
Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were denied access to the White House, and their press credentials were confiscated or deactivated, according to the outlets and multiple news reports.
Among those turned away were CNN White House correspondent Betsy Klein, MS NOW reporter Akayla Gardner and Politico reporter Cheyenne Haslett.
The three organisations have rejected Trump’s characterization of their journalism and said they intend to continue covering the White House.
CNN said its mission to report on the US government would continue despite attempts to restrict its physical access to government buildings. Politico said it would defend its First Amendment rights, while MS NOW said it would take necessary steps to defend independent journalism.
Trump says more outlets could follow
Trump has indicated that CNN, MS NOW and Politico may not be the only media organisations affected.
In his post, he warned that “Other Fake News Media Outlets” could follow.
During remarks at the White House, Trump defended his position by saying the country needed a “fair and honest press.”
The White House Correspondents’ Association and press-freedom organisations have criticised the move, arguing that restricting journalists’ access because of their reporting raises significant First Amendment concerns.
The dispute is now likely to have legal and constitutional implications as the affected media organisations consider how to challenge the restrictions.
The White House has maintained that Trump is seeking more accurate and fair coverage, while CNN, MS NOW and Politico say they will continue reporting on the administration despite the restrictions.
