Trump escalates media battle by barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House claiming 'fake news'

President Donald Trump escalated his conflict with the media by banning reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, accusing them of spreading “fake news.” Journalists from these outlets had their credentials confiscated on Saturday, forcing CNN and MS NOW correspondents to broadcast from a nearby sidewalk. Trump announced the ban on Friday, stating, “I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, Fake News CNN, MS NOW, and Politico are banned from the White House as a result of their constant false reporting.” He added, “I don’t think somebody should be allowed to come in and write false stories, fake news, and that’s why they have no credibility.” This action marks an intensification of his campaign against various news organizations, following previous lawsuits and a partial boycott of the Associated Press.

• The three barred media organizations intend to take legal action, arguing the ban violates the First Amendment.
• Politico’s global editor in chief Jonathan Greenberger stated, “We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights.”
• CNN called the ban an “illegal assault” on press freedom, while MS NOW vowed to “take any and all steps necessary to defend our First Amendment rights.”
• The White House Correspondents’ Association, led by Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, expressed solidarity, emphasizing that “The Constitution protects the freedom of the press from government interference.”