CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters barred from White House

Reporters denied entry

CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists were turned away from the White House on Saturday, Sept.

CBS News witnessed MS NOW White House reporter Akayla Gardner and a camera operator being denied entry around 8 a.m. Gardner said her pass had been disabled. CBS News also saw CNN senior White House reporter Betsy Klein and a camera operator attempt to enter before leaving without their badges.

Politico said White House reporter Cheyenne Haslett was stopped by the Secret Service and had her pass taken. The three outlets said they would continue covering the administration and defend their journalists’ rights.

Trump’s explanation and the response

Trump said he imposed the ban because he was tired of what he called false coverage from the outlets. He also criticized what he described as dishonest reporting but did not point to a particular article or broadcast. The White House directed questions about the decision to Trump’s remarks.

White House Correspondents’ Association President Jacqui Heinrich, a Fox News reporter, said revoking the passes violated the First Amendment and called for the reporters’ access to be restored immediately. She said excluding an outlet because of its coverage could establish a standard later used against other news organizations.

Trump has threatened to exclude additional outlets but had not announced further bans by Saturday morning. MS NOW said it intended to take steps to protect its First Amendment rights. CNN said its government reporting would continue despite restrictions on physical access, while Politico editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger said the publication would defend Haslett and its other White House reporters.