Trump Targets CNN, Politico, and MS NOW with White House Ban

President Donald Trump has declared he will ban three prominent news organizations – CNN, MS NOW, and Politico – from the White House premises. The announcement, made via social media, accused these outlets of “reporting FAKE NEWS” and producing “FICTION and LIES.” Trump indicated that other “Fake News Media Outlets” could follow.

The White House reportedly began informing the affected outlets of the impending ban, set to take effect on Saturday. Trump stated that the decision was not prompted by a single event but was a result of “cumulative stories over the past few years,” asserting his authority to control access to what he termed “the people’s house.”

Legal experts suggest the ban could conflict with the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, which safeguards freedom of speech and the press. CNN and Politico have publicly affirmed their commitment to their reporting and stated they would defend their First Amendment rights. MS NOW declined to comment.

Freedom of the press advocates have condemned the potential ban. Seth Stern of the Freedom of the Press Foundation called it a “blatant violation of the First Amendment,” while Jameel Jaffer of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University argued that the president cannot punish journalists for unfavorable coverage, especially from a “public forum” like the White House press corps.

This action continues a pattern of strained relations between the Trump administration and various media outlets. Trump, who has a history of criticizing news organizations he deems unfair, has previously attempted to revoke press credentials and has filed lawsuits against several publications. The ban comes weeks before the midterm elections, amidst declining approval ratings for his party.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/trump-says-he-is-banning-media-outlets-cnn-ms-now-politico-from-white-house-5600834