US President Donald Trump announced on 18 September 2026 an immediate ban on journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico from accessing the White House.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused these outlets of constant "fake" coverage and wrote that "the media should not be allowed to constantly write or report fiction and lies" about the president, his administration or the country. He added that other "fake" media outlets could follow.
Later in the Oval Office, Trump explained: "Because it's fake news. You get tired of it." According to him, the ban was the result of "accumulated stories over the past years," rather than any specific incident.
CNN representatives said they would stand up for their team and called the president's actions an "unlawful attack" on the freedom of the press guaranteed by the Constitution. Politico promised to continue honest coverage and to "vigorously defend" rights under the First Amendment.
Exactly how the ban will work — whether accreditations will be revoked, or access to the grounds or to briefings restricted — has not yet been specified. Journalists from these outlets were still on the White House grounds as of the afternoon of 18 September.
Trump stressed that the country needs a "honest and fair" press, but that he is not obliged to let into the "people's house" those he considers a source of negative stories.
