Trump bars three outlets from White House access, networks sue

Three US outlets barred from White House; lawsuits filed

Three major US news organisations — CNN, Politico and MSNBC — were denied White House access and had reporters’ credentials revoked, and the outlets announced they will pursue legal action to defend press freedoms, the companies said in a joint statement.

President Donald Trump announced the ban, saying the organisations wrote “fiction or lies” about his administration. The outlets said their reporters were prevented from entering the White House and had their badges seized when they attempted access on Saturday.

In a joint statement on Monday, CNN, Politico and MSNBC said they will sue the administration to protect their First Amendment rights and the principle that the government cannot determine what the press reports or publishes.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The outlets say their credentials were revoked without notice or process because the White House objected to their reporting. They argued that leaving the action unchallenged would threaten press freedom and the public’s right to independent journalism free from government interference.

The First Amendment’s prohibition on government abridgement of the press was cited by the companies and is noted as the legal basis for their planned action.

When announcing the ban, President Trump did not cite specific stories but later described the decision as a response to “cumulative stories over the last few years” and indicated other outlets might be affected, naming the New York Times and Washington Post as examples of “fake news.”

The White House was asked for comment by BBC News.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• CNN, Politico and MSNBC were barred from White House access and had badges seized during an attempted entry.
• The three outlets announced they will sue to defend First Amendment protections and press independence.
• President Trump cited perceived false reporting and said the move responded to cumulative stories, without identifying specific reports.