WASHINGTON — President Trump claimed in an unprecedented announcement Friday that he was banning CNN, MS Now and Politico reporters from the White House “effective immediately” for allegedly reporting “Fake News.”
The action, which if imposed would trigger First Amendment lawsuits, follows years of selective discrimination against outlets by both Democratic and Republican administrations, which included limited access to events but stopped short of a ban on working from the White House grounds.
“I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico (The recipients of an illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription, an All Time Record, directly from the United States Government, under Crooked Joe Biden, in order to keep them “alive.” Seems like corruption to me!), from the White House as a result of their constant “reporting” FAKE NEWS!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow.”
The prospective order has massive practical implications. For example, CNN is an important element of the TV pool system that ensures presidential remarks are broadcast live from the White House.
Reporters from each of the three outlets also serve in pool rotations that — until now — have been largely respected by the second Trump administration.
CNN has a six-person booth at the White House and its reporters file stand-ups from tents on the North Lawn, as does MS Now. Politico, like other print publications, has an assigned workspace the adjacent to the White House briefing room.
