CNN, MS NOW and Politico challenge White House access ban

CNN, MS NOW and Politico said they would pursue legal action after their journalists were denied entry to the White House and, in some cases, had their press passes seized. President Donald Trump defended the restrictions, accusing the outlets of publishing “fiction and lies.”

Journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were denied access to the White House grounds on Saturday, according to the outlets and DW. CNN reporter Betsy Klein and Politico reporter Cheyenne Haslett were turned away, while their White House access passes were seized, the source reported.

The action followed Trump’s announcement the previous day that the three organizations would be barred from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. CNN said it would continue reporting on the US government despite efforts to restrict physical access, and described the ban as an illegal interference with press freedom. MS NOW said it would take all necessary steps to defend its First Amendment rights and the role of independent journalism.

Politico global editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger told staff that the Secret Service had denied Haslett entry to the complex. He said the organization stood by her and other reporters covering the White House and would vigorously defend its constitutional rights, according to DW.

Trump said on his Truth Social network that the outlets should not be allowed to “constantly write or report FICTION and LIES” about the president. He told reporters in the Oval Office that the ban was not prompted by one specific incident, but by what he called cumulative coverage over several years. “I don't have to let them into my, into the people's house,” he said.

Experts cited by DW said the restrictions conflict with the First Amendment’s protections for free speech and freedom of the press. It remained unclear whether the ban would also prevent the organizations from traveling aboard Air Force One.

The dispute is part of a broader pattern of conflict between Trump and news organizations he considers critical. DW reported that he previously excluded the Associated Press from the regular presidential press pool and has sought action against broadcasters whose programs criticized his policies or family. The source also said he has sued several media organizations, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the BBC and the Des Moines Register.