Trump announces ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House

Announcement of the ban

President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform on 19 September 2026 to declare that CNN, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) and Politico are no longer permitted to report from the White House. He framed the decision as a response to what he described as fake news and alleged that the outlets regularly publish false information about his administration. No specific examples were provided in the announcement.

Reactions from the media and press organisations

CNN issued a statement asserting its constitutional right to report from the White House and warned that the ban would constitute an illegal interference with protected press freedoms. Politico also pledged to continue reporting and to defend its First Amendment rights, while rejecting a separate claim that it had received government subsidies. MS NOW did not issue an immediate comment. The National Press Club and PEN America criticised the action as an attempt to control which voices can cover presidential activities, calling for clarification of First Amendment protections.

Legal context and precedent

Legal analysts referenced the 1977 Sherrill v Knight decision, which held that once the White House establishes press facilities, access cannot be denied based on coverage content without a compelling government interest and proper procedural safeguards. The Associated Press is currently pursuing litigation after a similar denial last year, and experts expect the new ban to face legal challenges. Al Jazeera reported that the outcome of any forthcoming court action remains uncertain.

Source: Al Jazeera