US President Donald Trump has announced that he is “immediately” barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, escalating his tense standoff with major media outlets.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused the organisations of “constantly” publishing falsehoods about his administration, though he offered no specific examples, reports BBC.
He later described the move as a “very simple ban” but gave no details on how it would be enforced. It remains unclear whether reporters from the outlets will be denied entry to White House grounds.
CNN condemned the decision as an “illegal assault” on press freedom. Legal challenges are expected to follow.
Journalists from Politico and CNN were still present at the White House shortly after Trump announced a ban on their access. A CNN crew also accompanied Vice‑President JD Vance to and from an event in Iowa.
In a statement, CNN called the proposed ban illegal and pledged support for its White House team, stressing their “fair and accurate reporting.”
The network said, “We have a right under the US Constitution to do that reporting without hindrance or interference from the government. Should the ban which President Trump threatened go ahead, it would be an illegal assault on that fundamental and constitutionally‑protected right.”
Politico issued a similar response, vowing to continue coverage of the Trump administration and future presidencies. “We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict them,” the outlet said. MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, declined comment.
Trump, in his post, argued that “media outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report fiction and lies” about him, his administration, or the United States, adding that “other news outlets” may follow. He did not cite specific reporting that prompted the move.
White House Correspondents Association President Jacqui Heinrich voiced support for the targeted outlets, saying the issue extends beyond journalists’ rights. “It is about the right of the American people to receive a full and independent account of the activities, policies and decisions of whoever occupies the nation’s highest office,” said Heinrich, who works for Fox News.
Speaking later in the Oval Office, Trump said there was “no reason” for the timing of Friday’s announcement, describing it as a response to “cumulative stories over the last few years.” He added that more outlets “may be” added to the ban list, though none were named. Trump acknowledged legal challenges could follow, saying: “I think it’s good to point it out, whether it survives or doesn’t.”
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly clashed with the White House press corps. His administration has expanded access to conservative bloggers, influencers and alternative media, arguing this provides broader perspectives.
In February, the White House assumed control of the press pool, a role traditionally managed by the Correspondents Association for more than a century. That same month, Associated Press reporters and photographers were barred from restricted spaces such as the Oval Office and Air Force One after the outlet referred to the “Gulf of Mexico” instead of the administration’s preferred term, “Gulf of America.”
