Trump Bans CNN, MS NOW, Politico from White House Over 'Fake News'

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that CNN, MS NOW, and Politico are banned from the White House, effective immediately, accusing the outlets of publishing false reporting about his administration. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: "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." He warned that additional news organizations could face similar restrictions.

Trump provided no specific examples of false reporting that prompted the ban. When asked why he announced the decision on Friday, Trump said "No reason" and later clarified it was due to "cumulative" coverage over time. He described the ban as "a very simple ban" but offered few implementation details. Reporters from all three outlets remained on White House premises after the announcement, and no immediate enforcement mechanism was activated. In the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged the ban could be lifted if the outlets "straighten themselves out," and suggested other outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post could face restrictions.

CNN, Politico, and press freedom organizations immediately condemned the move. CNN stated the ban would be an "illegal assault" on constitutionally-protected press rights. Politico vowed to "vigorously defend our First Amendment rights." The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, Amnesty International, and Reporters Without Borders all characterized the ban as unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination and likely to face legal challenge.

This represents Trump's latest escalation in tension with US news organizations. In February 2025, the White House barred Associated Press reporters and photographers from limited-access spaces over the outlet's usage of "Gulf of Mexico" instead of the administration's preferred "Gulf of America." During his first term, Trump revoked CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press credentials in 2018; CNN sued and a federal judge restored his access on due process grounds. Trump has filed lawsuits against The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and CBS, alleging defamation.

Constitutional scholars note that while presidents retain discretion over access to specific settings like Oval Office meetings, broad restrictions on White House press facility access could face First Amendment challenges. CNN currently serves as one of only five US outlets providing video pool coverage, which distributes material to other media organizations. The BBC contributes to the White House radio pool.