CNN, MS NOW, Politico reporters blocked from White House after Trump ban

News organizations CNN, MS NOW, and Politico announced on Saturday their intention to pursue legal action following their journalists' denial of access to the White House grounds. President Donald Trump had previously banned the three news outlets from the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue premises, citing concerns over their critical coverage during his second term.

Trump accused the media of spreading "fake news" and violating their constitutional rights under the First Amendment, which guarantees free speech and press freedom. CNN's Betsy Klein was reportedly denied entry and had her press pass confiscated, with the network stating that it would continue reporting on the U.S. government without hindrance.

MS NOW, a left-leaning outlet, also claimed access was denied and vowed to defend its First Amendment rights. Politico editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger confirmed that one of their reporters, Cheyenne Haslett, was similarly denied access and confiscated her pass. Trump claimed the ban was not a result of a single incident but rather a culmination of unfavorable coverage over the past few years.

He warned that other media outlets would face similar restrictions and suggested that the media should not be allowed to "constantly write or report FICTION and LIES" about the president. The situation comes as the US prepares for the upcoming midterm elections, with Trump's approval ratings near historic lows and Democrats holding slight leads in polls.

Throughout his presidency, Trump has consistently targeted journalists he perceives as critical of his administration, a strategy that has included banning the Associated Press from reporting on the presidency for its refusal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.