Two MS NOW employees were refused entry to the White House on Saturday morning, marking the first visible enforcement of President Trump’s recent directive barring several news organizations from the presidential residence.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. when correspondent Akayla Gardner and a cameraman attempted to enter the facility. Both individuals had their press credentials suspended. Gardner reported to her program that she was informed her access had been disabled upon swiping her badge. When she inquired about the reason, a security official stated the decision came from higher authorities.
The move follows an announcement made by Trump on Friday via Truth Social, in which he declared an immediate ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from White House grounds. He cited frustration with what he described as “fake news” and an “dishonest press,” though he did not point to specific reporting.
MS NOW, which rebranded from MSNBC, issued a statement affirming its commitment to defending First Amendment rights and the role of independent journalism. The outlet emphasized that the White House is funded by taxpayers and therefore belongs to the American public.
While no CNN or Politico reporters were observed being blocked from the premises, both networks released statements supporting their staff on Friday. Jacqui Heinrich, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association and a Fox News reporter, stated that the organization stands with colleagues at the three outlets who are being targeted for performing their duties.
This event echoes previous conflicts between the Trump administration and the press. In 2025, the White House attempted to restrict Associated Press access after the agency refused to use the term “Gulf of America” for the Gulf of Mexico. A federal judge subsequently ordered the restoration of AP access to presidential spaces, although a legal dispute regarding restrictions on smaller areas remains ongoing. During his first term, Trump also sought to revoke the press pass of CNN’s Jim Acosta, a move that was reversed by a federal court order.
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History repeating itself with the AP incident in 2025 is chilling. Courts will likely block this again, but why test it every time?
Wait, did the article actually say MS NOW rebranded from MSNBC? That seems like a huge change I haven’t heard about anywhere else.
This is a direct attack on the First Amendment. Taxpayers fund the White House, so everyone deserves access regardless of what the President thinks.