Trump Bans CNN, MS NOW And Politico From White House Over Critical Coverage

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump’s administration has announced an immediate ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, Al-Jazeera reports.

The decision followed Trump’s criticism of the three media organisations over their coverage of his administration.

Trump expressed his displeasure in a social media post on Friday, accusing the outlets of publishing what he described as false reports about him, his government and the United States.

He wrote that the organisations were “‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” before adding, “Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” suggesting that further media restrictions could follow.

The White House announcement has raised questions about press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists to cover the US government.

Reporting from Washington, Al Jazeera correspondent Alan Fisher said the decision would likely face a legal challenge.

“This will be challenged, probably before the end of the day,” Fisher reported. “The United States has the First Amendment [of its Constitution] that says the government cannot restrict access to this sort of thing.”

Fisher noted that previous US presidents had also expressed anger over unfavourable media coverage and considered restricting access to the White House.

“Other presidents have been angry at the press coverage before. Linden B Johnson used to rail about it. Richard Nixon wondered whether or not he could ban certain people from the White House as well,” he said. “At every point they were told it’s not a good look.”

The development is expected to generate further debate over the relationship between the Trump administration and the American media, particularly concerning the limits of presidential authority and the First Amendment’s protection of press freedom.