U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday announced a ban preventing journalists from CNN, Politico and MS NOW from accessing the White House. The ban was put into effect on Saturday, September 19, with journalists from CNN and MS NOW denied entry to the White House grounds.
CNN reported that its senior White House correspondent, Betsy Klein, had her press credential confiscated after she arrived at the White House. A Secret Service officer told her that her badge had been deactivated. When Klein asked for an explanation, the officer said he had no further information and referred her to the White House press office.
MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner said she was also asked to hand over her press badge after being told that it had been disabled. When she asked why she was being denied entry, the officer reportedly told her that the decision was “above him.”
Trump said the outlets were being barred because of what he described as “fake news” and inaccurate reporting. He also indicated that other media organizations could face similar restrictions.
CNN said in a statement that its journalists would continue reporting on the U.S. government despite being denied access to the White House. The network argued that the restriction interferes with its First Amendment rights. MS NOW likewise said it would take steps to defend the rights of its journalists.
The move has also prompted debate among media-law experts over whether the administration can legally restrict journalists’ access to the White House based on their reporting. CNN and MS NOW have indicated that they may pursue legal action.
