White House access for CNN, MS Now and Politico has been revoked by the Trump administration, citing security concerns over their reporting. The decision follows a legal challenge by the outlets, which argue the ban violates their First Amendment rights.
The ban was announced via social media on Friday, September 18, 2026, and is part of a broader pattern of Trump's administration restricting media access. The outlets had previously filed a lawsuit seeking restoration of their access, claiming the action was retaliatory and unlawful.
Legal filings indicate the administration maintains that access to the White House is a privilege, not a right, and that the outlets pose a national security threat due to their reporting. The decision has sparked a media standoff, with some outlets refusing to publish images of the president until the three outlets are granted access.
The administration has not yet resolved the legal dispute, and the situation highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the press over media scrutiny and access to the White House.