Trump Bars 3 Outlets From White House as CNN, Politico and MS NOW Sue
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 22
Trump Bars 3 Outlets From White House as CNN, Politico and MS NOW Sue
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 22
Summary
Three news organizations — CNN, MS NOW and Politico — have challenged Donald Trump’s White House ban in district court, arguing it violates First Amendment protections.
Trump said he barred the outlets because of years of what he called “fake news” coverage, adding he was “sick of it” and expected to lose in court before appealing.
Four major broadcasters — ABC, NBC, Fox News and CBS — have suspended the White House press pool in solidarity, though official and other video feeds will still carry events.
Barack Obama called the move unimaginable in a functioning democracy, saying acceptance by 30% to 35% of Americans showed a weakening understanding of democratic norms.
The dispute has widened into a broader press-freedom debate, with advocates in Australia citing the case to push a media freedom bill later this year.