Trump bans CNN, MSNBC and Politico from White House

President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social account that he is banning the White House access of reporting teams from CNN, MSNBC and Politico, saying the move takes effect “immediately.” He added that access could be limited for other outlets as well, naming the New York Times and the Washington Post.

So far there are no clear public steps from the administration implementing the ban. Some White House staff were reportedly surprised by the announcement and had to work out how, in practice, any restriction would be carried out.

Why the move matters

In his post on Truth Social Trump wrote: "I proudly announce that I am banning CNN, MSNBC and Politico from the White House. The reason is their constant reporting of fake news! Media must not constantly write or report fiction and lies when reporting about the President of the United States, the Trump administration or the United States of America. Other media that spread fake news will follow."

Press-freedom groups said a ban of this kind would likely be unconstitutional and could be overturned by the courts. Several media organisations targeted by the announcement issued statements defending their reporting and their right to cover the administration under the First Amendment.

Democratic lawmakers criticized the move. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer compared it to actions by dictatorial regimes and warned against limiting reporting to control the public narrative.

The decision follows previous clashes between the Trump White House and news organisations. In November 2018 the White House revoked the White House credential of CNN’s Jim Acosta after a contentious exchange; a federal judge temporarily restored his access and the credential was later returned. In 2025 the White House briefly limited the Associated Press’s participation in the press pool, leading to a legal dispute; AP reporters later had their access restored but the court case continued.

Photo: EPA/JIM LO SCALZO / POOL