Journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were denied access to the White House on Saturday morning, an action that escalated President Donald Trump’s efforts to restrict coverage by news organizations he deems objectionable. Trump had stated on Friday that he would ban the three outlets due to what he called "fake news" reporting.
CNN Senior White House Reporter Betsy Klein and MS NOW reporter Akayla Gardner reported live on air that their White House credentials had been confiscated and their access revoked. Politico also confirmed its White House reporter was denied entry and had her badge taken.
"We stand by her and all reporters here covering the White House. … We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights," an editor-in-chief for Politico stated. CNN and MS NOW issued similar statements, emphasizing their commitment to holding the government accountable and defending the role of independent journalism.
President Trump announced the ban on his social media platform Friday, stating, "I am banning" the outlets "from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!" Speaking later at an event, he reiterated his stance, calling their coverage "fake" and asserting that "our country has to have honest news."
MS NOW reporter Akayla Gardner described her experience being turned away after her entry badge was disabled, with an officer indicating the decision was "above him." Gardner noted that while a producer was allowed in, a photographer's badge was also deactivated.
This move is the latest in a series of actions by the Trump administration targeting specific news outlets. Previous actions have included barring Associated Press reporters from certain events in retaliation for the outlet’s style guide decision on the Gulf of Mexico’s name, leading to a lawsuit from the AP. The administration has also been involved in legal disputes with The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the BBC, among others.