White House correspondents body slams Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico

The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) released a statement on Friday condemning President Donald Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access, labeling it as a "ban on the free press." WHCA president Jacqui Heinrich defended this stance, emphasizing that the Constitution safeguards press freedom, independent of the president's approval of the media's coverage or reporting.

She clarified that this protection is not contingent upon whether the president agrees with a news organization's reporting or questions. Heinrich further highlighted that this issue extends beyond the rights of journalists, concerning the American public's right to receive an unbiased and independent account of the functioning of the US government.

She also voiced her support for the journalists at CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, who were singled out for performing their duties. The WHCA, a non-profit organization representing White House correspondents, aims to ensure the press can report on the presidency without interference from the government.