A ‘ban on the free press’: White House bars journalists from three outlets
News Source
•Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:48:18 +0000
📰 What Happened
Journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were turned away from the White House on Saturday. Their press passes were taken or switched off. The ban started after President Donald Trump said on Friday that the three outlets report 'fake news'.
Reporters described being stopped at the gate. MS NOW's Akayla Gardner said an officer took her badge and told her the order came from above. Politico's Cheyenne Haslett was also refused entry.
The three news groups say they will fight the ban. Trump has said other outlets could be banned too.
🔍 The Backstory
A 1977 court case, Sherrill v Knight, said that once the White House lets reporters in, it cannot block them for weak reasons. Reporters who are refused must be told why and given a chance to answer.
In 2025 the administration limited Associated Press access after the agency would not use the name 'Gulf of America'. That dispute is still being argued in the courts.
🎯 Why It Matters
News from the White House affects everyone. If a president can pick which reporters get in, the public may hear only friendly voices. Courts will decide if this ban is allowed.
Journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were turned away from the White House on Saturday. Their press passes were taken or switched off. The ban started after President Donald Trump said on Friday that the three outlets report 'fake news'.
Reporters described being stopped at the gate. MS NOW's Akayla Gardner said an officer took her badge and told her the order came from above. Politico's Cheyenne Haslett was also refused entry.
The three news groups say they will fight the ban. Trump has said other outlets could be banned too.
A 1977 court case, Sherrill v Knight, said that once the White House lets reporters in, it cannot block them for weak reasons. Reporters who are refused must be told why and given a chance to answer.
In 2025 the administration limited Associated Press access after the agency would not use the name 'Gulf of America'. That dispute is still being argued in the courts.
News from the White House affects everyone. If a president can pick which reporters get in, the public may hear only friendly voices. Courts will decide if this ban is allowed.