Trump has barred CNN, MSNOW and Politico from the White House, citing their reporting as 'fiction and lies,' sparking a legal challenge. The move comes as the White House faces a federal court battle over the restrictions on media access.
The ban, announced on Sept 18, 2026, follows a pattern of Trump's attempts to limit media access, including revoking credentials for AP journalists in 2025. The three outlets have sued Trump and White House officials, arguing the ban violates First and Fifth Amendments.
The legal battle centers on whether the White House can restrict media access without due process. Courts have previously ruled that while the White House can limit press access for security reasons, arbitrary revocation of credentials is at odds with constitutional protections.
The DOJ has defended the ban, claiming the outlets jeopardized national security by publishing 'verifiable falsehoods' and 'sensitive information,' while the media outlets argue the restrictions are a direct attack on press freedom and due process.