White House Bars CNN, MS NOW, and Politico in Response to Trump’s ‘Fake News’ Crackdown

The White House followed through Saturday on President Trump’s pledge to bar CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the premises, penalizing the outlets for coverage he dismisses as “fake news.”

The three organizations condemned the exclusion as unconstitutional and pledged to continue reporting on the government. They are preparing to challenge the bans in court, pushing back against Trump’s escalating campaign against mainstream journalism.

“The White House belongs to the American people, and the decisions made inside are funded with tax dollars,” MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, said Saturday on X.

CNN stated that the ban constitutes “an illegal assault on this fundamental right,” asserting its constitutional right to report without government interference.

The White House declined to comment directly, referring inquiries to Trump’s Friday announcement of the restrictions.

Badges confiscated

MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner said her credential failed to work at a routine security checkpoint Saturday. “There was a red beeping light and so the officer asked me to hand over my badge,” she recounted on air.

CNN’s Betsy Klein described a similar experience, noting a cluster of cameras waiting outside the gate as she attempted to enter.

Politico’s Cheyenne Haslett was also turned away, and the Secret Service seized her access pass, according to editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger.

Trump did not specify a motive but repeated that “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 80-year-old president, who has long clashed with the press, warned Friday that additional outlets could face similar sanctions without naming them.

Both of Trump’s administrations have seen repeated attacks on news coverage he dislikes. He has filed defamation lawsuits, assailed the press on Truth Social, and verbally confronted reporters—particularly women—including CNN’s Kaitlan Collins.

While outright bans are uncommon, Trump previously barred CNN’s Jim Acosta during his first term, a move later overturned by courts. Last year, he restricted The Associated Press from certain events over its refusal to use “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.” His administration has also tightened press controls, dictating which outlets join the “pool” for confined spaces like the Oval Office and Air Force One.

The surprise announcement came as Trump’s approval ratings hit record lows and his party faced potential losses in November’s midterm elections. The war in Iran and rising gas prices have compounded his political vulnerabilities.

Critics swiftly denounced the ban as unconstitutional, predicting court reversal. “Press access is not a privilege for journalists. It’s a right to ensure the American people can be independently informed,” Reporters Without Borders said, vowing legal action.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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