Trump White House Bans CNN, MS NOW, Politico Over Coverage

President Donald Trump announced Friday that his administration will ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, citing unfavorable coverage and “fake news.” Trump indicated more outlets could face similar restrictions.

The move escalates the president’s confrontations with news organizations. CNN and Politico have voiced concerns about First Amendment implications.

Trump stated on social media, “I am banning” CNN, MS NOW, and Politico “from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” He reiterated the reason in the Oval Office, saying, “Because they’re fake news. You get so tired of reading and seeing fake news.” He called CNN “just fake” and MS NOW “fake news,” and described Politico’s stories as “fake.”

CNN responded that it stands by its White House team and their “fair and accurate reporting.” The network asserted on X, “We have a right under the U.S. Constitution to do that reporting without hindrance or interference from the government.” CNN called the threatened ban “an illegal assault on that fundamental and constitutionally-protected right.”

Politico stated it will “continue to fairly report on this White House and future ones. We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict them.” MS NOW did not immediately comment.

The action follows previous confrontations. Last year, Trump restricted Associated Press journalists from the Oval Office, Air Force One and other events. This followed the AP’s decision not to adopt his preferred name change for the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” The AP filed a lawsuit that remains ongoing.

Trump has pursued legal action against other outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the BBC. His administration also disputes ABC’s broadcast license renewal.

The potential ban on CNN could disrupt the traditional five-network television pool that travels with the president, which provides independent coverage of presidential activities.