House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise said Sunday that he did not know the reasons behind President Trump's decision to ban reporters from CNN, Politico, and MS Now from the White House.
"I don't know why he did it. I don't know what the background is," Scalise told ABC News’ “This Week” co-anchor Jonathan Karl. President Trump announced the ban on Friday, and reporters from the three outlets confirmed their White House access was revoked on Saturday.
Trump stated in his announcement that "Media Outlets shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they're covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America." The White House Correspondents Association president noted that the president had described his action as a "ban on the free press."
Scalise defended the administration's openness to the press, stating, “I don't think we've had a president that's been more open to the press.” He cited instances where Trump invites the press in before signing bills to allow for questions and photographs.
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., on ABC News' "This Week."
![Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., on ABC News' "This Week."]( "Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., on ABC News' "This Week." (ABC News)")
Midterm Election Concerns
Scalise also addressed economic concerns ahead of the midterm elections, where the economy is expected to be a significant issue for voters. A Fox News poll indicated that the prices of gas, groceries, and other goods remain top concerns.
"I share concerns about affordability. If you look at gas prices, we've been working to try to bring gas prices down," Scalise said. He attributed higher gas prices in some areas to state mandates and policies.
Immigration Policy
The House Majority Leader also commented on President Trump's immigration crackdown, addressing criticism from Florida Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar. Salazar released an advertisement stating that some of Trump's immigration enforcement efforts had gone too far and that the policy was alienating Hispanic voters.
Scalise stated that he did not agree with Salazar's ad and defended the administration's border security efforts, asserting that the United States currently has the "most secure border right now." He also noted that Trump had previously gained support among Hispanic voters and that securing the border was a key campaign promise.