Reporters from MS NOW, CNN, and Politico were barred from entering the White House grounds on September 19 as a ban announced by President Donald Trump took effect. Journalists from the three media outlets had their White House press credentials revoked, preventing them from accessing areas that facilitate direct questioning of the president and interaction with administration officials.
MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner reported that her press pass would not scan at the White House security checkpoint, and a security officer confiscated her badge after she attempted to enter. She said a similar confiscation occurred with one of the channel’s photographers. CNN and Politico confirmed separately that their reporters faced the same restrictions and had their credentials taken away.
President Trump announced the ban on September 18, accusing the three news organizations of repeatedly disseminating "fake news," though he did not cite specific reports that prompted the ban. He stated that he was frustrated by what he described as cumulative negative stories over several years. The ban restricts these outlets’ physical presence inside the White House but does not prevent their journalists from covering the administration from elsewhere.
The move drew immediate criticism from free-press advocates who argued it infringes on First Amendment protections. Trump himself acknowledged the controversy, describing his action as a “ban on the free press” during comments to reporters. Legal precedent suggests such exclusions could be unlawful; a 1977 federal appeals court ruling in Sherill v. Knight found that the White House cannot arbitrarily deny press access based on coverage content when it provides formal press facilities.
In response, MS NOW stated it intends to vigorously defend its constitutional rights and reaffirm the essential role of independent journalism. The network emphasized that the White House belongs to the public and pledged to continue reporting on the president and government affairs. CNN echoed this sentiment, condemning the ban as an illegal interference with their constitutional authority and vowing to persist in holding the administration accountable. Politico’s global editor-in-chief, Jonathan Greenberger, affirmed the news organization’s support for its reporters and commitment to defending First Amendment freedoms.
The White House declined to comment directly on the ban and referred inquiries to President Trump’s earlier remarks. The incident highlights sustained tensions between Trump and parts of the mainstream media. Throughout his presidency, Trump has frequently challenged the credibility of news outlets and individual journalists, sometimes restricting press access. In past instances, such as shortly after his second term began, Trump’s administration removed the Associated Press from certain White House press pools following disputes over editorial decisions.
This development underscores the ongoing friction between the Trump administration and media organizations, raising questions about press freedom, access, and the evolving relationship between government and the news media.