White House Bars CNN, MS NOW, Politico Reporters

White House officials barred journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico from entering the White House grounds Saturday morning, September 19, 2026. Reporters from CNN and MS NOW reported the denial of access live on air.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that he was banning the news organizations, citing their coverage as “fake news.” Politico confirmed its White House reporter, Cheyenne Haslett, was also denied entry and had her press credential confiscated.

Politico Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Greenberger affirmed support for Haslett and vowed to “vigorously defend our First Amendment rights.” CNN and MS NOW released similar statements, emphasizing their commitment to government accountability and independent journalism.

MS NOW stated, “The White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded by our tax dollars.” CNN senior White House reporter Betsy Klein showed her ban on air. MS NOW reporter Akayla Gardner reported her entry badge was disabled and confiscated after she had passed initial security checks. An MS NOW producer gained entry, but a photographer's badge was also disabled.

President Trump reiterated his stance Friday, stating, “Because they’re fake news… You get so tired of reading and seeing fake news.” He specifically identified CNN, MS NOW and Politico for “fake” reporting and asserted that “our country has to have honest news.”