Barrasso rejects concern over White House press ban

Barrasso defends the decision

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., rejected concerns Sunday that President Donald Trump violated the Constitution by excluding reporters from Politico, MS NOW and CNN from the White House.

Asked on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” whether Trump had violated the Constitution, Barrasso answered no and said news organizations have a duty to report fairly. When asked specifically about the First Amendment, he repeated that view rather than explaining why the restriction was constitutional.

Barrasso also compared the action with social media platforms’ earlier decisions to ban Trump. He said the White House dispute would not affect the midterm elections 44 days later because voters would make decisions based on their lives, futures and families.

White House revokes credentials

Trump announced Friday on Truth Social that the three organizations would be barred, accusing them of repeatedly publishing false reporting. He warned that other news organizations could face the same action but did not identify them.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said the decision was not prompted by one article or broadcast. He attributed it to coverage over several years.

Reporters from the three organizations said White House security turned them away Saturday and that their credentials had been revoked. Each organization pledged to continue covering the administration.

First Amendment dispute

Gabe Rottman, vice president of policy for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said the ban was not legal. He also said requiring the organizations to go to court to enforce their rights could intimidate the broader press.

MS NOW anchor Peter Alexander described the restrictions as an unusual threat to constitutional freedoms. Politico said it would defend its First Amendment rights while continuing to cover the White House fairly.