WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has announced a ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the three news organisations of repeatedly publishing what he described as “fake news.” Trump made the announcement on Friday, September 18, saying the restrictions would take effect immediately and warning that other media outlets could face similar action.
Trump said the decision was based on what he described as the outlets’ cumulative coverage of his administration rather than one particular report. CNN and Politico have rejected the move, with CNN saying it stands behind its White House journalists and that its reporting is constitutionally protected, while Politico said it would continue covering the White House and defend its First Amendment rights.
The announcement is expected to face legal challenges over press freedom and access to government institutions. Reuters reported that the precise scope of the ban remained unclear, noting that journalists from the three organisations were still present at the White House after Trump’s announcement. The White House Correspondents’ Association has also defended the affected journalists and emphasized constitutional protections for the press.
The announcement has also raised questions about the extent to which the White House can restrict journalists’ access based on the content of their reporting. The Associated Press reported that Trump did not provide details on how the ban would be implemented, while journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico remained on the White House grounds later on Friday.
Trump also indicated that the action could be extended to other media organisations. Reuters reported that, when asked whether other outlets could be banned, Trump said the restrictions could go “as far as you can,” suggesting that additional news organisations could face similar measures.
The developments have drawn attention from press-freedom organisations, with the Committee to Protect Journalists saying the move raises First Amendment concerns. The legal status and practical enforcement of the ban remain subject to further developments, particularly if the affected organisations challenge restrictions on their access to the White House.