MS NOW staffers turned away from White House after Trump bans outlets

On Saturday morning, two staff members from MS NOW found themselves turned away from the White House, following President Trump's announcement the previous day that certain outlets would be banned from the premises. Although CNN and Politico reporters have not been explicitly barred, both outlets have released statements expressing support for their staff members facing similar circumstances.

President Trump justified the ban on Friday, claiming he was "tired of reading and seeing fake news" from these outlets, though he did not specify which stories. He also hinted at potential future action against other media organizations, though no concrete decisions have been made. MS NOW reported that one of its correspondents, Akayla Gardner, was denied entry to the White House on Saturday, with her pass revoked upon attempt to enter.

The correspondent stated that a security guard informed her the matter was beyond his authority. MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, has vowed to defend its First Amendment rights and the vital role of independent journalism in American democracy. The White House Correspondents Association, represented by Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich, supported the journalists being targeted, stating the organization would defend its colleagues facing such treatment.

Trump's decision to ban the outlets stems from his frustration with what he perceives as "fake news." This is not the first time Trump has had conflicts with the press; last year, the president barred the Associated Press from White House coverage after they refused to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." The AP subsequently sued on First Amendment grounds, and a federal judge ordered the restoration of their access, though a federal appeals court later allowed for a temporary ban in restricted areas, a dispute that remains unresolved.

During Trump's first term, the White House also attempted to revoke the press credentials of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta following a contentious encounter, a case that was ultimately resolved in Acosta's favor by a federal judge.