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US President Donald Trump’s administration on Saturday enforced his announced ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, denying journalists from the three organisations access to the White House and taking possession of their press credentials.
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The affected news organisations condemned the action as an attack on press freedom, with CNN describing the ban as an “illegal assault” and both MS NOW and Politico saying they would defend their First Amendment rights.
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Trump had announced the restrictions a day earlier, accusing the three outlets of publishing what he called “FAKE NEWS” and “FICTION and LIES” in their coverage of his presidency, while warning that other media organisations could follow.
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The confrontation is the latest in a series of disputes between Trump and the US media over White House access, including earlier battles involving the Associated Press and individual journalists whose credentials were restored after court intervention.
September 19, (THEWILL) – US President Donald Trump’s administration on Saturday enforced its ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, barring journalists from the three major news organisations from entering the White House and seizing their press credentials.
The action came less than a day after Trump announced that the three organisations would no longer be permitted on White House grounds, escalating his long-running confrontation with sections of the American media.
Journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico said their press passes were confiscated when they arrived at the White House on Saturday morning.
The organisations have indicated that they could challenge the restrictions on constitutional grounds, arguing that the administration’s action conflicts with protections for freedom of speech and a free press under the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
CNN described the ban as “an illegal assault” on its constitutional right to carry out journalism without government interference.
MS NOW and Politico separately said they would defend their First Amendment rights, with MS NOW pledging to take “any steps necessary” to protect what it described as the essential role of independent journalism in American democracy.
CNN and MS NOW also said the restrictions would not prevent them from continuing to report on the Trump administration.
Politico said it stood behind its reporters covering the White House despite the action against its journalists.
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Trump Accuses Outlets Of ‘Fake News’
Trump announced the ban in a social media post on Friday, accusing CNN, MS NOW and Politico of repeatedly reporting what he described as false information about his presidency.
According to Trump, the organisations “shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES” while covering the President of the United States. He also warned that the action could be extended to other media organisations.
Asked by reporters in the Oval Office on Friday which other outlets he had in mind, Trump cited The New York Times and The Washington Post as examples of organisations he considered “fake news”.
The New York Times subsequently condemned the move, describing the latest action as “yet another retaliatory and unconstitutional threat” and saying it stood with the news organisations targeted by the administration.
The Washington Post also criticised the restrictions, saying its access to the White House was a constitutional right and describing the administration’s action as a form of intimidation intended to silence coverage.
Media Organisations Vow To Continue Coverage
Despite being denied physical access to the White House, the three organisations have said they will continue covering Trump’s administration.
CNN has maintained that the ban will not stop its journalists from reporting on the president and his administration.
MS NOW similarly said it would continue its work while pursuing measures to defend its First Amendment rights.
Politico also reaffirmed its commitment to its White House reporters following the confiscation of their credentials.
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.
