President Donald Trump announced Friday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico are being barred from the White House effective immediately, escalating his administration’s ongoing disputes with major news organizations.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Friday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico are being banned from the White House, citing what he described as false reporting about his administration.
Trump announced the decision in a post on Truth Social on Sept. 18, saying the restrictions were effective immediately. He accused the three organizations of repeatedly publishing what he called “fake news” and said additional media organizations could face similar restrictions.
Trump did not identify a specific recent story that prompted the decision. The White House had not immediately provided additional details about how the ban would be implemented, including whether it applies to individual reporters, press credentials, White House grounds or participation in the rotating press pool.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico had not immediately issued responses when the announcement was first reported. MS NOW is the cable news network formerly known as MSNBC.
The announcement represents another escalation in the administration’s disputes with news organizations over access to the president and White House events.
In 2025, the White House restricted Associated Press journalists from certain presidential events after the AP declined to adopt the administration’s preferred name, “Gulf of America,” for the Gulf of Mexico. The AP challenged those restrictions in federal court, arguing that the government could not restrict access because of an outlet’s editorial decisions. That litigation remains ongoing.
The latest restrictions could similarly raise First Amendment questions. Courts have previously recognized constitutional protections surrounding government retaliation against journalists, although the precise legal issues can depend on what access is restricted and how the policy is implemented.
Trump has frequently criticized major news organizations throughout both of his administrations and has accused outlets whose coverage he disputes of publishing false or misleading information. Friday’s announcement specifically targeted three organizations and warned that additional outlets could be added later.
The American Desk will update this story as the White House and affected news organizations provide additional information.