WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said that CNN, Politico and MS NOW have been barred from the White House, accusing the outlets of spreading what he called “fake news” about his administration.
Trump announced the decision on his Truth Social platform, warning that other media organisations could face similar restrictions. He did not specify which reports or incidents prompted the action, saying it was based on what he described as a pattern of coverage over the past two years.
Media outlets challenge decision
The affected organisations rejected the move and said they would continue their reporting.
CNN called the decision an “illegal assault” on press freedom, saying its coverage was fair and protected under the US Constitution. Politico said it would defend its First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict its access.
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The White House Correspondents’ Association also criticised the decision, saying it supported journalists covering the presidency and their ability to perform their work independently.
Despite Trump’s announcement, journalists from CNN and MS NOW remained at the White House and continued broadcasting from outside the building.
Trump-media tensions
Trump has repeatedly clashed with media organisations during both of his presidential terms, frequently accusing outlets critical of his administration of unfair coverage.
During his first term, Trump barred CNN reporter Jim Acosta from White House access, but the decision was later overturned by a court.
Last year, Trump also restricted access for The Associated Press after a dispute over the agency’s use of the term “Gulf of Mexico” instead of “Gulf of America,” a name promoted by his administration.
Legal challenges
Press freedom advocates said the latest decision could face legal challenges.
Bruce Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said preventing journalists from accessing based on their reporting would violate constitutional protections.
The White House has not provided further details on how the restrictions would be implemented or whether they would apply to all White House events.
The dispute comes as Trump faces growing political pressure ahead of the US midterm elections, with economic concerns and foreign policy issues shaping the political debate.
