US president accuses the three outlets of reporting “fake news” and warns other media organisations could face similar restrictions.
WEB DESK: US President Donald Trump has announced that CNN, MS NOW and Politico will be barred from the White House, accusing the three news organisations of repeatedly publishing what he described as “fake news.”
Trump announced the move Friday in a post on Truth Social, saying the restrictions would take effect immediately. He also indicated that other media organisations could face similar action.
The announcement has raised questions over the scope and legal basis of the proposed restrictions, particularly regarding First Amendment protections for freedom of the press.
Trump cites coverage of his administration
Trump said there was no single incident behind the decision, describing it as the result of what he called cumulative reporting over several years.
He accused CNN, MS NOW and Politico of reporting “fiction and lies” when covering his administration and the United States.
When asked about other outlets that could potentially be targeted, Trump mentioned The New York Times and The Washington Post, according to Reuters.
The White House did not immediately provide detailed information on how the announced restrictions would be implemented or which forms of access would be affected.
Journalists remained at White House
Despite Trump’s announcement, representatives of all three outlets were seen working at the White House on Friday afternoon, according to Reuters.
The extent of the proposed restrictions therefore remained unclear, including whether they would apply to general White House press facilities, specific events or press pools.
News organisations respond
CNN said it stood behind its journalists covering the White House and argued that its reporters have a constitutional right to carry out their work without government interference.
Politico also said it would continue reporting on the White House and future administrations and would defend its First Amendment rights.
MS NOW did not immediately comment, according to Reuters.
Legal questions over press access
The proposed restrictions could face legal challenges depending on how broadly they are implemented.
Reuters reported that courts have historically given presidents considerable discretion over selective access to events such as Oval Office meetings and limited press pools. However, broader restrictions involving generally available White House press facilities or credentials could face stronger constitutional challenges.
Legal experts and press-freedom organisations have criticised the move. Seth Stern of the Freedom of the Press Foundation said excluding outlets because of their coverage would raise serious First Amendment concerns.
Jameel Jaffer, executive director of Columbia University’s Knight First Amendment Institute, similarly argued that journalists cannot be excluded from a public press pool because of their viewpoints. These are legal assessments from advocacy organisations and experts, rather than a final court ruling on Trump’s latest announcement.
Trump’s long-running dispute with media
Trump has frequently clashed with US news organisations, particularly over coverage that he considers unfair or inaccurate.
His administration has previously taken steps affecting press access. During Trump’s first term, federal judges ordered the restoration of White House press credentials for CNN correspondent Jim Acosta and Playboy correspondent Brian Karem after disputes over access.
