President Trump has banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, citing their coverage as 'fake news' and threatening further restrictions on media access. The move raises concerns about constitutional protections for the press.
The ban follows Trump's decision in February 2025 to exclude Associated Press journalists from Oval Office events, a move that led to legal challenges. Trump's latest action could disrupt the traditional five-network television pool that tracks the president's activities.
Legal experts warn that the ban could violate the First Amendment, as the White House press pool is considered a public forum. Courts have given presidents broad discretion over access to events, but broader exclusions may face stronger challenges.
Trump's actions come as Republicans face a difficult midterm election, with public approval of the party near historic lows. The move also marks a shift in White House press interactions, with new media outlets gaining prominence while traditional news organizations lose access.