Trump Bans CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House; Outlets Prepare Legal Action
US President Donald Trump has banned journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, citing 'fake news.' Reporters were denied entry on Saturday, drawing sharp condemnation from media organizations and press freedom advocates who argue the move violates First Amendment rights.
US President Donald Trump announced an immediate ban on journalists from three major news outlets—CNN, MS NOW, and Politico—from entering the White House. The announcement was made on Friday, with Trump citing the outlets' reporting as "fake news" during an Oval Office event. He further stated that other media organizations might face similar restrictions in the future.
The ban took effect quickly. On Saturday, reporters from the affected networks attempted to enter the White House grounds but were turned away by Secret Service officers. Specifically, CNN reporter Betsy Klein, MS NOW reporter Akayla Gardner, and Politico reporter Cheyenne Haslett were denied access. According to reports, their press badges were deactivated or confiscated upon arrival at security gates.
In a notable inconsistency, one MS NOW producer was able to enter the White House despite the network-wide ban. No explanation was provided for why her badge remained functional while those of her colleagues were not.
The move has triggered strong reactions from the targeted media organizations and press freedom groups. Politico Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Greenberger stated that the company would vigorously defend its First Amendment rights. CNN issued a statement asserting its constitutional right to report without government interference, labeling the ban an illegal assault on this right. Similarly, MS NOW declared its intention to take all necessary steps to defend First Amendment rights and independent journalism.
Jacqui Heinrich, President of the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA), called for the immediate restoration of access. She warned that excluding outlets based on their coverage sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom in the United States.
This incident marks an escalation in tensions between the Trump administration and the press. It follows a previous ban imposed on Associated Press (AP) reporters in February 2025, which resulted from their refusal to use the name "Gulf of America." That earlier dispute led to ongoing litigation. All three currently banned outlets have hinted at or confirmed legal action to challenge the new restrictions.