US President Donald Trump has said he is banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the three news organisations of repeatedly publishing what he described as “fake news.”
Trump made the announcement on Friday, September 18, in a post on his Truth Social account, saying the ban would take effect immediately.
“I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW and Politico from the White House,” Trump wrote, saying the decision was due to their constant “reporting” of what he called “FAKE NEWS.”
He also accused media organisations of reporting what he described as “FICTION and LIES” when covering his presidency, administration and the United States. Trump did not identify specific reports from CNN, MS NOW or Politico that he considered false.
The president further suggested that other media organisations could face similar restrictions, writing: “Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow.”
The announcement adds to Trump’s continuing confrontation with major news organisations during his second term. His administration previously restricted Associated Press journalists from certain presidential events after the news agency declined to adopt Trump’s preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico.
It was initially unclear what the latest ban would mean in practice, including whether it would prevent journalists from entering the White House, attending press briefings and presidential events, or participating in the White House press pool. CNN reported that its journalists remained at the White House on Friday afternoon following Trump’s announcement.
The White House, CNN, MS NOW and Politico did not immediately provide comments on the announcement, according to Reuters.
The move could face legal challenges because of constitutional protections for freedom of the press. The Associated Press is already challenging similar restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on its access to presidential events.
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