President Donald Trump said Friday he is banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said the outlets 'constantly write or report FICTION and LIES' about his administration. He did not name any specific story.
It is unclear what the ban would mean in practice. It is also unclear whether employees of the three outlets would be blocked from the White House grounds.
Reporters from Politico and CNN were still on the grounds shortly after the post.
The move is likely to draw legal challenges from the outlets and press freedom groups. CNBC said the action could raise First Amendment questions. Reuters said it is likely to be challenged as conflicting with free speech and a free press.
Trump has repeatedly clashed with the White House press corps since returning to office in January 2025. In February 2025, the White House took back control of the press pool. That same month, the administration moved to bar Associated Press reporters and photographers from some limited-access spaces, including the Oval Office and Air Force One, over the outlet's use of 'Gulf of Mexico' instead of 'Gulf of America.'
A federal judge ruled in April 2025 that Trump's action against the AP was 'contrary to the First Amendment.' An appeal is still pending.
The big picture: this is about power over access. The White House can reward friendly coverage. It can also try to punish critical coverage. But the First Amendment is the line Trump keeps testing.
Why it matters: if the ban holds, the press loses access. If it fails in court, the administration loses another fight over the boundaries of presidential power.