CNN, MS NOW, and Politico have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging violations of their First Amendment rights after their reporters were banned from the White House. The media organizations announced the legal action Monday, days after journalists from the three outlets were denied entry to White House grounds.

"This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes," the outlets stated in a joint release. They contend that the White House revoked credentials "without notice or process" because it objected to their reporting, a move they argue "threatens press freedom and the public's right to independent journalism free from government interference."

President Trump announced the ban on Truth Social on Friday, stating that the outlets were barred "effective immediately" and warning that "other Fake News Media Outlets" could face similar restrictions. He argued that media organizations should not be permitted to "constantly write or report FICTION and LIES" about the presidency, the administration, or the United States.

The ban took effect over the weekend. CNN's Betsy Klein reported from outside the White House on Saturday after being denied access, and Politico's Cheyenne Haslett and MS NOW's Akayla Gardner were also reportedly unable to gain entry. The White House subsequently removed CNN from its scheduled role as the television pool representative for Monday.

Trump stated Friday that the ban was not prompted by any single story but by "cumulative stories over the last two years," expressing frustration with "purposely negative stuff." He asserted his support for a free press but emphasized the need for a "fair and honest press."

This legal challenge echoes past disputes over press access. In 2018, a federal judge ordered the White House to reinstate CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass after it was revoked following a contentious exchange with Trump. In a separate incident last year, the Associated Press was temporarily barred from the Oval Office and Air Force One after refusing to use a preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico. While a federal judge initially sided with the AP, an appeals court later paused that ruling.

The White House has been contacted for comment.