Trump shuts CNN, MS NOW and Politico out of White House
Donald Trump’s White House has begun enforcing its ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, with reporters denied entry and access badges confiscated. The news organisations say the restrictions violate constitutional press protections and are expected to challenge the move in court
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that CNN, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), and Politico would be denied access to the White House, in response to coverage he deems as "fake news." These three news outlets denounced the ban, stating it violates the US Constitution and vowed to continue reporting on the government. They plan to challenge the ban in court, as the White House belongs to the American people and decisions made there are funded by their tax dollars.
The White House referred to Trump's comments from Friday, where he expressed his disapproval of the media outlets constantly reporting "fiction and lies" about him. Several representatives from the banned outlets shared their personal experiences with the ban, including being denied entry and having their access badges confiscated.
Trump has a history of criticizing the media and has filed multiple defamation suits against news outlets he dislikes. However, barring news outlets from the White House is rare for a US president, though Trump did ban CNN reporter Jim Acosta in his first term, which was later overturned by a court. The announcement comes at a time when Trump's approval ratings are at record lows, and his Republican Party faces potential losses in the upcoming midterm elections.
Critics argue that this move is unconstitutional and will be dismissed by the courts, while press advocacy groups vow to take legal action against the ban.
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