Trump Bars CNN, MS NOW, and Politico From White House Grounds Starting Saturday

President Donald Trump said Friday he is banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House “effective immediately” over what he called “constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS.” A senior White House official told Fox News the three outlets were being informed their journalists could not be on the grounds as of Saturday. Reporters from those organizations were still working on campus Friday afternoon, and CNN continued to broadcast from its driveway tent. The White House did not publish a written rule listing which credentials, pool slots, or briefing-room seats were being pulled.

“I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW … and Politico … from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” Trump posted 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.” In the Oval Office he called it “a very simple ban.” “I don’t want them in my office. I don’t want them here. I would say the ban would go as far as you can.” He said the decision was “cumulative stories over the last few years,” not a single article. “You get sick of it.” Asked about other targets, he named the New York Times and the Washington Post. “If they could straighten themselves out, I’d love it,” he said. On a court fight he added, “I don’t think that a court should allow fake news to be written day after day after day. I think that somebody has a right to keep them away.” “Now, if they want to write them, that’s fine, but I don’t have to let them into my — into the people’s house.”

CNN called the move “an illegal assault” on a constitutionally protected right and said it stands behind “fair and accurate reporting.” Politico said it “will continue to fairly report on this White House and future ones” and “will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights.” MS NOW declined to comment. Trump’s post also repeated a claim that the government paid Politico an “illegal” $8 million subscription under the prior administration. Politico said that claim is false and that federal agencies have bought its policy product under both parties. Enforcement on Saturday — badges, pool rotation, or physical access to the North Lawn and briefing room — had not been spelled out in a public White House memo by Friday evening.