MS NOW, CNN and Politico Reporters Denied White House Access
Cyberzenhub.com – MS NOW CNN Politico reporters were denied access to the White House grounds on Saturday, a day after President Donald Trump announced that the three news organizations would be barred from the complex.
The move followed a Friday social media post in which Trump criticized coverage of his administration and indicated that other media outlets could face similar restrictions. He argued that news organizations should not be able to repeatedly publish what he described as false reporting about him, his administration or the United States.
“Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America,” Trump wrote.
CNN journalists’ credentials were deactivated
On Saturday morning, a CNN reporter and photographer were stopped at the White House security booth. Their access passes were collected as they left the entrance area, and the reporter later showed the empty sleeve that had held her identification card.
CNN said its reporter and photographer had been refused entry. A CNN journalist said on air that a Secret Service agent told her that her badge had been deactivated. The network called the action an unconstitutional interference with its ability to report on the presidency.
“We have a right under the U.S. Constitution to do our reporting without hindrance or interference from the government and this ban is an illegal assault on this fundamental right,” CNN said.
MS NOW and Politico also report denied entry
MS NOW said some of its journalists were also prevented from entering the White House grounds. One correspondent said her badge had been disabled, although a producer from the same network was allowed to enter.
“I asked, ‘We are both with the same network’ and [Secret Service] took a look at their computer — the two officers — and they said they weren’t sure what was going on, but at the end of the day they had to take my badge because it was disabled,” the MS NOW correspondent said.
The network said it would take steps to defend its constitutional rights and expressed support for its reporters and newsroom.
“MS NOW intends to take any and all steps necessary to defend our First Amendment rights and the essential role of independent journalism in our democracy,” the network said. “We stand firmly behind our anchors, our reporters, and our newsroom.”
Politico Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Greenberger said one of the publication’s reporters was also turned away by the Secret Service and had her press credentials taken. He said Politico would support its White House journalists and defend First Amendment protections.
“We stand by her and all reporters here covering the White House. As we said yesterday, we will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights,” Greenberger said.
Press association raises First Amendment concerns
The White House did not immediately issue a public response about the denied access on Saturday. Jacqui Heinrich, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, urged the restoration of the journalists’ credentials and warned that the consequences could reach far beyond the affected outlets.
“The implications extend beyond these organizations: a standard used to exclude one news outlet because of its coverage could be applied to any outlet in the future,” Heinrich said.
The MS NOW CNN Politico reporters dispute centers on the practical ability of journalists to cover the president and executive branch. White House credentials enable reporters to attend briefings, observe official events, seek comment from officials and ask questions directly.
Newsrooms depend on credentialed reporters, photographers and producers to document White House activity. Although security procedures govern access to the complex, the affected organizations argue that exclusions imposed because of coverage would conflict with First Amendment protections for a free press.
Trump says coverage should be fair
At an Oval Office event on Friday, Trump said he supports a free press but maintained that news coverage should be fair and honest. His remarks and the subsequent access restrictions intensified the conflict between the White House and the three news organizations.
FAQ: White House press access in the United States
What does a White House press credential allow? A credential generally allows approved journalists to enter designated White House areas for briefings, events and other reporting duties, subject to security procedures.
Why does access matter for reporters? Access allows journalists to observe events, question officials and report directly from the White House, which helps inform the public about presidential actions and administration policy.
Why are the affected outlets challenging the restrictions? CNN, MS NOW and Politico have raised First Amendment concerns, arguing that restrictions tied to news coverage interfere with independent journalism and press freedom.
