Trump Bans CNN, MS Now, Politico

President Donald Trump issued a ban on CNN, MS Now, and Politico from the White House, escalating his long-standing conflict with the media outlets that have covered his political career. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump accused the media outlets of reporting "FICTION and LIES" about the President of the United States and the White House, stating, "Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America."

CNN responded to the ban, affirming that their reporters remained in the White House and were continuing to travel with Vice President JD Vance for pool coverage. The network stated, "CNN stands fully behind our White House team and their fair and accurate reporting," asserting that the ban would be an "illegal assault on that fundamental and constitutionally-protected right" under the U.S. Constitution.

Politico also issued a statement, vowing to continue reporting on the White House and future administrations and defending its First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict it. The news organization pledged to "vigorously defend our First Amendment rights."

Trump's ban follows a prior restriction placed on the Associated Press from presidential events, leading to ongoing litigation. During his first presidential administration, Trump's White House had previously targeted CNN's Jim Acosta, whose press pass was eventually restored in November 2018.

When questioned by reporters about the reasoning behind the ban, Trump provided a brief explanation, stating, "No reason," adding, "It’s a very simple ban. I don’t want them in my office. I don’t want them here. I would say the ban would go as far as you can." The president further hinted that the ban might be lifted if the outlets "could straighten themselves out."