US President Donald Trump said Friday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would be barred from the White House, accusing the three news organisations of repeatedly reporting what he called “fake news.”
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform and later defended the move while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office. He also suggested that other media outlets could face similar restrictions.
Trump gave no details on how the ban would be implemented. Journalists from the three outlets were still working at the White House on Friday afternoon following his announcement.
“Because they’re fake news,” Trump said when asked why he was targeting the outlets. He said the decision was based on what he described as cumulative coverage over the past several years.
CNN condemned the move, saying it stands behind its White House team and its “fair and accurate reporting.” It said any ban would interfere with its constitutional right to report without government hindrance.
Politico said it would continue to report on the White House and defend its First Amendment rights. MS NOW did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The announcement is the latest escalation in Trump’s disputes with news organisations during his second term. His administration has previously taken legal or regulatory action involving several major outlets, including The Associated Press, The New York Times and the BBC.
The move has also raised questions over First Amendment protections. Reuters reported that free-speech experts said restrictions based on the content of news coverage could face legal challenges.
A 1977 federal appeals court ruling, Sherrill v. Knight, held that while the White House is not required to provide press access, once it establishes facilities for credentialed journalists, access cannot be denied based on the content of their reporting. Any denial must meet a compelling government interest and provide procedural safeguards.
Trump has also indicated that additional media outlets could be excluded from the White House.