US President Donald Trump has announced a ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the news organisations of repeatedly publishing what he described as “fake news” about his administration.
Trump made the announcement on Friday, September 18, 2026, in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying the restrictions would take effect immediately.
He accused the three outlets of reporting what he characterised as false or misleading information about him, his administration and the United States.
Speaking to reporters later in the Oval Office, Trump defended the decision, saying he was tired of what he considered unfair coverage. He did not identify a specific report that triggered the move, instead describing it as the result of the outlets’ cumulative coverage of his administration.
Trump also warned that other media organisations could face similar restrictions. During his remarks, he specifically referred to The New York Times and The Washington Post as outlets he considers to be engaging in unfavourable coverage.
The restrictions have since begun to affect journalists working at the White House.
On Saturday morning, September 19, reporters from CNN and MS NOW were denied entry to the White House complex, with their press credentials reportedly disabled or revoked. CBS News also reported that two MS NOW staff members were turned away from the premises.
CNN criticised the move, saying it stood behind its White House team and that its journalists had a constitutional right to report on the US government without interference.
Politico similarly said it would continue covering the White House and would defend what it described as its First Amendment rights.
MS NOW also said it intended to take necessary steps to defend its journalists and the role of independent journalism.
The White House Correspondents’ Association has also expressed support for the affected journalists, while press freedom organisations have raised concerns about the implications of restricting media access based on coverage of the president.
The dispute could face legal challenges, particularly because the First Amendment to the US Constitution protects freedom of the press. The precise legal scope and implementation of the restrictions remain subject to further developments.
The latest action is part of a broader series of disputes between the Trump administration and major US news organisations over access to the White House and presidential events.
