Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were denied access to the White House grounds on Saturday morning, one day after President Donald Trump said he was banning the three outlets from the property. The move, which press advocates and the outlets themselves described as a violation of the First Amendment, marks an escalation in the president's long-running conflict with the news media.

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The White House on Saturday turned away journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, a day after President Donald Trump announced he was banning the three outlets from the grounds. The ban, which Trump said was effective immediately, was announced on social media on Friday, where he accused the outlets of producing purposefully negative stories and constant fake news.

CBS News observed an MS NOW correspondent and cameraman being turned away from the White House around 8 a.m. Saturday. Both had their hard passes revoked. The correspondent, Akayla Gardner, said on MS NOW that she was told her pass was disabled when she tried to swipe in. When she asked why, the security guard said the matter was above him.

CBS News also saw CNN reporter Betsy Klein and a cameraman trying to enter the White House grounds on Saturday, and eventually leave without their badges. Politico said in its morning newsletter that reporter Cheyenne Haslett was also denied entry to the White House on Saturday morning. Politico said she was stopped by Secret Service and had her pass confiscated.

MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, said in a statement that it intends to take any and all steps necessary to defend its First Amendment rights and the essential role of independent journalism in a democracy. The news organization added that the White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded by tax dollars.

CNN said in a statement that its mission to report on the U.S. government will continue regardless of any attempts to restrict physical access to the White House and other government buildings, or any other attempts to impede its journalism. CNN added that it will not be deflected from its duty to hold the government and other public bodies to account, and will continue to report on the actions and processes of this administration without fear or favor. CNN stands fully behind its White House team.

Politico editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger said in an email to the newsroom that the outlet stands by Haslett and all reporters covering the White House. He said that Politico will continue to cover the administration vigorously.

Why It Matters

The ban raises significant First Amendment concerns. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of the press, and press advocacy groups were quick to condemn the move. The Washington Post reported that news outlets and press advocacy groups condemned the ban and said it was a violation of the First Amendment.

The practical effect of the ban is that the three outlets lose physical access to the White House grounds, including the briefing room and the ability to ask questions of officials in person. While they can still report from elsewhere, the loss of access makes it harder to hold the administration accountable and to provide the public with direct information about the executive branch.

The White House has not explained why some staffers were allowed in while others were not. According to NBC News, an MS NOW photographer was also denied access, while one of the network's producers was allowed onto the White House grounds. It was not immediately clear why their access differed.

Political Context

Trump has a history of trying to restrict press access. The New York Times reported that there are several instances where the president made an effort to stifle the work of journalists. This latest move, however, is unprecedented in its scope, targeting three specific outlets by name and barring them from the White House grounds entirely.

The ban comes amid a broader pattern of the administration's contentious relationship with the media. Trump has frequently criticized CNN, MSNBC (now MS NOW) and other outlets, but this is the first time he has formally banned them from the White House. The move has drawn comparisons to authoritarian tactics, though the administration has not commented on those comparisons.

The White House Correspondents' Association, which represents journalists covering the president, has not yet issued a statement, but individual outlets and press freedom organizations have been vocal in their opposition.

What Officials and Groups Are Saying

MS NOW said in a statement that the White House belongs to the American people and that it intends to take any and all steps necessary to defend its First Amendment rights. CNN said it has a right under the U.S. Constitution to do its reporting without hindrance or interference from the government and called the ban an illegal assault on that fundamental right. Politico's editor-in-chief said the outlet stands by its reporter and all reporters covering the White House.

Press advocacy groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, have condemned the ban. The Washington Post reported that these groups said the move was a violation of the First Amendment. No official statement from the White House has been issued beyond the president's initial social media post.

Timeline

  • Friday, Sept. 18: President Trump announces on social media that he is banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, effective immediately, accusing them of fake news and purposefully negative stories.
  • Saturday, Sept. 19, morning: MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner and a cameraman are turned away from the White House; Gardner's hard pass is revoked. CNN reporter Betsy Klein is also denied entry and has her credential confiscated. Politico reporter Cheyenne Haslett is stopped by Secret Service and has her pass confiscated.
  • Saturday, Sept. 19: The three outlets release statements condemning the ban and vowing to continue reporting. Press advocacy groups also condemn the move.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Trump say about the ban? Trump said on social media that he was banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House because of their constant reporting of fake news and purposefully negative stories.

Which journalists were denied access? MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner and a cameraman, CNN reporter Betsy Klein, and Politico reporter Cheyenne Haslett were all denied entry on Saturday morning.

What did the outlets say in response? MS NOW said it would take any and all steps necessary to defend its First Amendment rights. CNN said the ban is an illegal assault on its constitutional right to report. Politico said it stands by its reporter.

Is this legal? The First Amendment guarantees freedom of the press, and press advocacy groups say the ban violates that right. However, the White House has not commented on the legality of the move.

What happens next? The outlets are expected to continue reporting on the administration, and legal challenges may be forthcoming. The White House has not indicated whether the ban will be expanded to other outlets.

What Happens Next

The ban remains in effect, and the three outlets have vowed to continue covering the administration. It is unclear whether the White House will allow them back or expand the ban to other news organizations. Press freedom groups are likely to pursue legal action, and the incident is expected to intensify the debate over press access and the First Amendment. Readers should continue to follow this story as it develops, as it has significant implications for the relationship between the media and the government.