US President Donald Trump has issued an immediate prohibition barring CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House, intensifying his long-standing feud with the American press. The announcement was made via a lengthy Truth Social post on Friday, in which the president accused the organizations of persistently publishing “fiction or lies” regarding his administration.
Trump did not cite specific articles or incidents to justify the decision, stating only that “media outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report fiction and lies when covering” the presidency or the United States. He added that other news organizations should expect similar consequences if they continued such practices.
The precise scope of the ban remains unclear. It is uncertain whether the restriction prevents journalists from entering White House grounds entirely or limits their access to specific areas. Nevertheless, reporters from both Politico and CNN were observed on the White House campus shortly after the declaration was made public.
Legal experts anticipate that the move will face immediate challenges. Civil liberties groups and the affected news outlets are expected to file lawsuits, arguing that the ban infringes upon press freedoms and the public’s right to information.
This action represents the latest chapter in a turbulent relationship between Trump and the media since he returned to office in January 2025. In February of that year, the administration revoked the White House Correspondents’ Association’s century-long control over the press pool, bringing access management directly under White House supervision.
The administration has also targeted the Associated Press, temporarily barring its reporters from restricted zones such as the Oval Office and Air Force One due to the outlet’s use of the term “Gulf of Mexico” instead of “Gulf of America.” The AP has since filed a lawsuit, which is currently pending in court.
Trump’s administration has a history of confrontations with journalists, with the president frequently labeling reporters as “fake news” or “rude” during interactions on Air Force One and in the Oval Office. During his first term, Trump previously banned CNN correspondent Jim Acosta from the White House, only for Acosta’s credentials to be restored after CNN initiated legal proceedings.
Beyond domestic media, Trump has pursued legal action against several prominent publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the BBC. The BBC has requested comment from the White House regarding the latest ban but has not yet received a response.
Does anyone else think this just makes CNN and Politico more popular? It’s like telling kids they can’t have a toy—they want it more now.
He did the exact same thing with Acosta in his first term, and it got overturned. History repeating itself, but with more lawsuits this time.
Reporters were still seen on campus after the ban. If they can walk in, is it really a ban or just performative anger for social media?
Which MS NOW is this? I couldn’t find a major outlet by that name. Makes you wonder if they even mean the same organization twice.
I’m honestly surprised this isn’t already blocked by a judge. Press freedom is foundational, and banning outlets entirely seems like a clear overreach.
This is a direct attack on the First Amendment. The public deserves to know what’s happening, not just what the White House wants them to see.