Journalists from CNN and MS NOW were denied access to the White House on Saturday, a day after US President Donald Trump announced restrictions against the two outlets and Politico.
An MS NOW reporter and photographer arrived at the White House but found their press credentials were no longer working. A White House officer subsequently took their badges, according to the network.
MS NOW reporter Akayla Gardner said she was told that her credential had been deactivated. When she asked why she could not enter, the officer reportedly said the matter was “above him.”
Gardner said both her badge and that of her colleague had been disabled. An MS NOW producer, however, was allowed inside using a functioning credential. The reason for the differing treatment was not immediately known.
CNN reporter Betsy Klein also said a Secret Service agent told her that her White House credential had been deactivated and took her badge.
It was not immediately clear whether a Politico journalist attempted to enter the White House on Saturday.
CNN Says Coverage Will Continue
CNN criticised the decision and said the restrictions would not prevent its journalists from covering the Trump administration.
“Early today, CNN journalists were denied access to the White House grounds,” the network said in a statement, adding that its reporters would continue covering the US government despite restrictions on their physical access to the White House and other government buildings.
CNN said journalists have a constitutional right to report without government interference and described the ban as an attack on that right. The network also said it would continue holding the administration and other public bodies accountable.
- “CNN stands fully behind our White House team,” the network said.
- Trump Accuses Outlets of ‘Fiction or Lies’
Trump announced on Friday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would no longer be permitted access to the White House. He accused the outlets of publishing “fiction or lies” about his administration.
The president did not identify specific reports that prompted the decision. He later said the action was based on “cumulative stories over the last few years.”
Trump also suggested that additional media organisations could face similar restrictions. He referred to The New York Times and The Washington Post as “fake news” when asked about other outlets, but did not announce bans against them.
Media Groups Oppose White House Action
CNN, MS NOW and Politico have criticised the decision, arguing that it raises concerns about press freedom and First Amendment protections.
An MS NOW spokesperson said the White House belongs to the American people and that the network would take steps to defend its constitutional rights and the role of independent journalism.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press also criticised the move and said it expected the courts to overturn the ban. Its president, Bruce Brown, argued that the White House cannot exclude journalists simply because officials disagree with their reporting.
The latest dispute adds to a broader series of clashes between the Trump administration and media organisations over press access and coverage. The administration has also been involved in legal disputes with outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the BBC.
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