Two prominent news networks’ journalists revealed being refused entry to the White House on Saturday morning, as both CNN and MS NOW reporters went live to detail the circumstances of the ban imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. This action marked a further step in Trump’s ongoing attempts to limit news coverage by journalists he deems objectionable and represents a test of First Amendment protections in the United States. Trump had declared on Friday his decision to ban both organizations and Politico due to their coverage.
CNN released a statement affirming its support for its reporters, emphasizing their commitment to holding the government and other public bodies accountable. Meanwhile, MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC until last November, also expressed solidarity with its journalists. The network stated that the White House belongs to the American people and actions within it are funded by taxpayers, asserting its intent to defend First Amendment rights and the crucial role of independent journalism in democracy.
President Trump announced the ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico on Friday, citing unfavorable coverage and “fake news” as reasons for barring them from the White House. Politico journalists typically do not cover events at the White House on Saturdays. MS NOW White House correspondent Akayla Gardner reported being turned away and having her entry badge confiscated, stating that an officer informed her that her badge had been disabled and requested her to surrender it, attributing the decision to higher authorities.
Trump labeled the news outlets as “fake news” in a statement on his social media platform, asserting the immediate ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. He criticized their reporting as false and reiterated the importance of honest news for the country. This move by Trump follows his administration’s increased actions against certain media outlets, including legal action and regulatory measures. Trump has also engaged in personal attacks on individual reporters, both in person and through social media.
Notably, Trump had previously barred Associated Press reporters from various events last year in response to the news outlet’s refusal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” per Trump’s directive. The AP stated its commitment to informing readers when relevant about Trump’s request to change the name of the Gulf.
