Why It Matters
The move escalates tensions between the executive branch and major news organizations over press access and editorial independence.
What Happened
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that CNN, MS NOW, and Politico are banned from the White House effective immediately. He posted on social media that outlets should not report “FICTION and LIES” when covering the President or the United States. Trump indicated other organizations might face similar restrictions.
By the Numbers
3 — Outlets barred: CNN, MS NOW, Politico
Friday — Day of announcement
Zoom Out
The White House previously removed the Associated Press from the press pool after it refused to rename the Gulf of Mexico. The Pentagon has also restricted media access to its facilities. Jacqui Heinrich of Fox News currently leads the White House Correspondents Association.
What’s Next
A CNN spokesperson said the network stands behind its team and called the ban an illegal assault on constitutional rights. Kaitlan Collins covers the White House for CNN; Vaughn Hillyard leads MS NOW.