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US President Donald Trump has announced an immediate 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,” “fiction” and “lies” about his administration.
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Trump did not identify specific reports or stories that prompted the action, while details of how the ban would be enforced remained unclear, including whether journalists working for the affected outlets would be denied access to the White House grounds or excluded from presidential events.
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The announcement is expected to trigger a fresh legal and constitutional battle over press freedom, with the First Amendment to the US Constitution protecting freedom of speech and of the press, while CNN, MS NOW and Politico had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
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The latest confrontation deepens Trump’s long-running dispute with the American media, following his administration’s 2025 decision to exclude Associated Press journalists from parts of the presidential press pool and a series of subsequent clashes with broadcasters, newspapers and individual reporters.
September 18, (THEWILL) – US President Donald Trump has announced an immediate ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, escalating his long-running confrontation with American media organisations over their coverage of his administration.
Trump announced the decision in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, accusing the three outlets of repeatedly reporting what he described as “FAKE NEWS” about him, his administration and the United States.
“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.
He added that other media organisations could also face similar restrictions.
“Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” the President said.
Trump’s latest action follows his administration’s highly publicised dispute with the Associated Press in 2025.
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In February that year, the White House barred AP journalists from the Oval Office, Air Force One and other restricted-access presidential events after the news agency declined to adopt Trump’s preferred name, “Gulf of America”, for the body of water traditionally known as the Gulf of Mexico.
The White House had also announced in February 2025 that it was taking greater control over the presidential press pool, which had traditionally been organised by the White House Correspondents’ Association.
Trump has frequently clashed with reporters during presidential appearances, particularly during exchanges in the Oval Office and aboard Air Force One. He has repeatedly used the term “fake news” when attacking media reports he considers unfavourable.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
