CNN, MS Now and Politico Journalists Denied Access to White House, Have Their Press Passes Confiscated After Trump Ban

On September 19, journalists from three prominent media organisations—CNN, MS NOW (formerly known as MSNBC), and Politico—were barred from entering the White House. This decision followed an announcement made by President Donald Trump a day prior, in which he declared that these outlets had been effective immediately banned from “The People’s House”. The President accused the organisations of disseminating “fake news” and suggested that additional media outlets could be banned in the future.

The news quickly unfolded on social media and traditional platforms, with the affected outlets confirming that their journalists were denied access to White House grounds on the morning of September 19. MS NOW reported that a reporter along with a cameraperson was turned away while CNN personnel faced similar restrictions. Politico also confirmed that one of its reporters, Cheyenne Haslett, was denied entry and had her press pass confiscated by Secret Service officers at the security gate.

In an internal memo shared with People, Politico’s Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Greenberger voiced support for Haslett, stating, “A few minutes ago, our colleague Cheyenne Haslett attempted to enter the White House to do her job as a POLITICO reporter. Secret Service denied her entry to the complex and confiscated the pass that allows her access.” This echoes the general sentiment across the media landscape that such bans threaten journalistic freedom.

The outlets collectively defended the right of their journalists to report on the Trump administration without hindrance. Politico emphasised, “We stand by her and all reporters here covering the White House. As we said yesterday, we will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights.” Similarly, CNN asserted its commitment to covering the U.S. government, declaring that the ban represented an unlawful attempt to obstruct its journalism.

MS NOW issued a statement reaffirming its dedication to protecting the rights of the press and the critical role of independent journalism in democracy. “The White House belongs to the American people, and the decisions made inside are funded by our tax dollars,” they stated, pledging to take necessary steps to defend their press freedoms. The outlet reiterated its commitment to covering issues that are pertinent to the American public.

Trump’s initial post on Truth Social revealed his feelings towards media coverage of his administration, saying, “Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States.” He hinted that additional news organisations may face similar limitations in the future, although it was unclear why he specifically targeted these three.

The White House’s official response to the ban was somewhat limited, with the press office redirecting inquiries back to Trump’s statements made shortly after his announcement. When faced with questions regarding the compatibility of such a ban with his oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the protection of press freedoms, Trump asserted, “I do uphold the Constitution, much more so than you.”

The implications of this action, particularly in the context of the First Amendment, have raised significant concerns among media activists and legal experts. The outright exclusion of specific media outlets from White House coverage is seen as a direct challenge to the principles of free speech and press freedoms that underpin American democracy.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these media organisations will navigate this ban and what it means for press relations with the Trump administration moving forward. The resilience of the press and its role in holding power to account will be vital in this ongoing discourse surrounding freedom of the press and governmental transparency.