Trump bars three outlets from White House access
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that CNN, MS Now and Politico were being barred from White House access, escalating his confrontation with major news organisations. He said the ban took effect immediately and accused the outlets of repeatedly publishing or broadcasting what he described as fake news, while also warning that other media organisations could be targeted next.
Key Points
- Trump announced on social media on Friday that reporters from CNN, MS Now and Politico were banned from entering the White House with immediate effect.
- He said the outlets had been “reporting FAKE NEWS” and wrote that media should not be allowed to publish what he called fiction and lies
- Trump added, “Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” signalling the possibility that more news organisations could face similar restrictions
- The move is likely to be challenged as conflicting with First Amendment protections for free speech and a free press in the US Constitution
- Last year, the Associated Press was removed from the usual press pool after refusing Trump’s preferred name, “Gulf of America,” for the Gulf of Mexico
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the dispute is a reminder that access to political leaders and the rules governing official media coverage can quickly become a constitutional and legal battleground in the United States. It also points to possible further court fights after the Associated Press previously sued Washington over restrictions on access to the Oval Office and Air Force One