White House security officials enforced a ban on Saturday, denying entry to correspondents from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The action fulfilled a vow made by President Donald Trump on Friday to revoke the credentials of these three news outlets, which he accused of publishing "fake news." The move marks a significant escalation in the administration's ongoing conflict with mainstream media organizations.
Reporters from the affected networks described being physically blocked from entering the presidential grounds. MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner stated that her access badge failed at a security checkpoint, resulting in a red alert light and the confiscation of her credentials. Similarly, CNN's Betsy Klein reported being unable to enter through her usual gate, noting that a group of cameras was positioned outside to monitor her attempt. Politico’s editor-in-chief, Jonathan Greenberger, confirmed that the Secret Service confiscated the access pass of his colleague, Cheyenne Haslett.
Constitutional Challenges
All three outlets have publicly denounced the ban as a violation of the US Constitution and have vowed to pursue legal action to regain access. CNN stated in a release that it has a constitutional right to report without government interference, labeling the ban an "illegal assault on this fundamental right." MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, emphasized on social media that the White House belongs to the American people and is funded by taxpayer dollars. Advocacy group Reporters Without Borders also announced it would take legal action, asserting that press access is a right, not a privilege.
"Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States," Trump said in a statement announcing the bans.
The White House referred inquiries to Trump's Friday comments, in which he warned that other media outlets could face similar restrictions, though he did not specify which ones. This incident follows a pattern of tensions between the president and the press, including multiple defamation lawsuits filed against news organizations and verbal attacks on reporters. While US presidents have rarely barred entire outlets from the White House, Trump previously banned CNN reporter Jim Acosta during his first term, a decision that was later overturned by a court.
The announcement comes amid a period of low approval ratings for the 80-year-old Republican, who faces the risk of his party losing control of Congress in the November midterm elections. Factors contributing to his political challenges include the war in Iran and rising consumer prices, particularly at the gas pump. The administration has also implemented stricter controls on journalist access, including managing which outlets are admitted to "pool" coverage in restricted areas such as the Oval Office and Air Force One.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
