CNN and MS NOW journalists were denied entry to the White House on Saturday, a day after President Donald Trump announced a ban on several news outlets, including these two, citing 'hostile coverage' and 'fake news.'
Reporters for MS NOW and CNN were turned away from the White House on Saturday morning, following President Donald Trump's announcement to bar them and other news outlets like Politico from the complex. CNN's Betsy Klein reportedly had her press pass seized. This action escalates Trump's ongoing conflict with media members he opposes, raising significant concerns about First Amendment freedoms. Trump had declared the ban on Truth Social, effective immediately, accusing these outlets of 'constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS' and 'FICTION and LIES.' MS NOW responded by fully supporting its journalists and declaring its intent to take all necessary steps to defend First Amendment rights and the role of independent journalism, emphasizing that the White House belongs to the American people. The article notes that Trump does not possess the authority to arbitrarily ban entire outlets based on content, citing the First Amendment and a 1977 court case, Sherill v. Knight, which protects 'bona fide journalists' access unless they pose a physical danger to the President or his family. Trump's feud with CNN dates back to his first presidential campaign.
