Trump says CNN, MS NOW and Politico are banned

Trump announces restrictions

President Donald Trump said Friday that he had banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the organizations of repeatedly publishing false coverage. He said the decision reflected stories published over several years but did not identify a specific report that prompted it.

Trump also said other news organizations would face similar action, without naming them or setting out the scope and timing of the restrictions. A White House spokesperson directed questions to Trump’s comments.

MS NOW said its journalists were denied access to the White House grounds Saturday morning. CNN said Friday that its journalists remained at the White House and that it stood behind their reporting.

News organizations respond

MS NOW said it would take steps to defend its First Amendment rights and the role of independent journalism. Politico said it would continue covering the White House and would defend its rights against access restrictions.

Politico also rejected Trump’s claim that the federal government paid for an illegal subscription. Trump connected that allegation to claims his administration made in early 2025 about government subscriptions.

The White House Correspondents’ Association defended the three organizations. Its president, Jacqui Heinrich, said constitutional press protections do not depend on whether a president approves of an outlet’s coverage or questions.

Earlier access dispute

Trump previously restricted The Associated Press from the Oval Office, Air Force One and some events after the organization declined to adopt his preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico. The AP sued, and that case remains underway.

Trump has also filed defamation suits against the BBC, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The cases against the Times and Journal were dismissed and later refiled, while the BBC has asked a court to dismiss the case against it.