US President Donald Trump has announced that CNN, MS NOW and Politico are being barred from the White House, accusing the three news organisations of repeatedly publishing what he described as “fake news” about his administration.
Trump made the announcement on Friday in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying the ban would take effect immediately. He also warned that other media organisations could face similar action.
“I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW … and Politico … from the White House,” Trump wrote, accusing the outlets of reporting what he called “fiction and lies” about him, his administration and the United States.
CNN’s White House team remained at the complex after Trump’s announcement and continued its normal coverage, according to Reuters.
Trump also criticised Politico over an alleged US$8 million government subscription during the administration of former President Joe Biden, claiming without providing evidence that the arrangement was intended to keep the publication operating.
Reports say the move is likely to face legal scrutiny because of constitutional protections for freedom of the press. The dispute comes amid a broader series of clashes between Trump and news organisations during his second term.
Trump has previously restricted access for journalists and news organisations. In 2025, his administration excluded Associated Press journalists from some presidential events after the news agency declined to adopt the administration’s preferred name, “Gulf of America”, for the Gulf of Mexico. The AP challenged the restrictions in court.
CNN’s exclusion could also have implications for the traditional television network pool that helps provide coverage of the president when space is limited. Such pool arrangements allow participating networks to share reports and footage with other news organisations.
Trump has frequently criticised major television networks and other news organisations over coverage he considers unfavourable. Reuters reported that during his current term he has also urged regulators to take action against broadcasters whose programming he dislikes.
Agencies
