Trump banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access
US President Donald Trump announced on September 18 that he is banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from accessing the White House. He accused these media outlets of spreading "fake news."
Donald Trump. Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social that media outlets should not be able to constantly publish "fabrications and lies" when covering the president's activities, his administration, or the US. He also stated that restrictions might affect other media outlets, but did not name them.
The ban could prevent journalists from these outlets from attending press conferences and other press events in the Oval Office. However, it is currently unclear how broad the restrictions will be and whether journalists will still be able to accompany government flights aboard Air Force One.
The media outlets stated that they consider Trump's decision a violation of their constitutional rights. Politico promised that the publication would continue to objectively cover events at the White House and defend its rights. CNN also stated that the ban contradicts the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the press.
Trump has previously criticized certain media outlets and their materials for what he believed was their dissemination of false information about the White House.
In 2025, his administration excluded Reuters, Associated Press, and Bloomberg News from the permanent journalistic pool covering the president's activities, granting them only episodic access to briefings. In the case of the Associated Press, legal proceedings are ongoing.
At the same time, the White House increasingly grants access to its events to internet influencers, bloggers, and podcasters. They often ask Trump more favorable questions and avoid a critical tone. Representatives of right-leaning media also receive privileged access.