CNN and Politico have vowed to defend press freedom after US President Donald Trump announced an immediate ban on the two outlets and MS NOW from the White House, accusing them of repeatedly publishing false reports about his administration.
Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social, escalating his ongoing tensions with media organizations. He does not cite specific reports to support his allegations or explain how the proposed restrictions would be implemented.
The president said the affected outlets “constantly write or report fiction and lies” about his administration, adding that other news organizations could face similar restrictions.
Trump later described the move as a “very simple ban,” but it remains unclear whether journalists from the affected outlets would be prevented from entering the White House grounds or face other limitations.
CNN swiftly condemned the announcement as an “illegal assault” on American press freedoms, arguing that any attempt to restrict its journalists’ reporting would violate their constitutional rights.
“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,” CNN said in a statement. The network added that it “stands fully behind our White House team and their fair and accurate reporting.”
Politico also rejects the proposed restrictions, pledging to continue its coverage of the current administration and future White Houses.
“We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict them,” the outlet says. MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, declines to comment on the announcement.
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Despite Trump’s declaration, reporters from CNN and Politico remained on the White House grounds shortly after the announcement. A CNN crew also travelled with Vice-President JD Vance to and from an event in Iowa.
When asked whether other media organizations could face similar restrictions, Trump identified The New York Times and The Washington Post, describing both as “fake news.”
The White House Correspondents’ Association also spoke out against the move. Its president, Jacqui Heinrich, who works for Fox News, said the organization stands in defence of journalists who are being singled out for carrying out their duties.
“This is about more than the rights of journalists,” Heinrich said. “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.”
Addressing the proposed ban in the Oval Office, Trump said the decision follows years of what he describes as cumulative unfavourable reporting. “It’s really just cumulative stories over the last few years. You get sick of it,” Trump said.
He acknowledged that the announcement could face legal challenges, saying, “I think it’s good to point it out, whether it survives or doesn’t.”
The proposed ban comes amid continued tensions between Trump and the White House press corps since his return to office in January 2025.
His administration has sought to expand access to the press room for conservative bloggers, influencers and other media organizations, arguing that the move would provide the American public with more diverse perspectives.
In February, the White House announced that it will take control of the press pool that has access to the president. The pool had been managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association for more than a century.
The proposed restrictions are expected to face legal scrutiny over press freedom and First Amendment protections, although the scope and implementation of the announced ban remain unclear.
BBC
