(AFP) – US media outlets CNN and MS NOW said they were denied access to the White House grounds on Saturday, a day after President Donald Trump announced a ban against them for reporting what he calls “fake news.” The news outlets both denounced the move as a violation of the US constitution and vowed to keep reporting on the US government. Both are expected to take the bans to court to regain access to the presidential mansion.
“The White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded with our tax dollars,” MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, said on X. In its own statement, CNN said, “we have a right under the US Constitution to do our reporting without hindrance or interference from the government and this ban is an illegal assault on this fundamental right.” There was no immediate word from Politico, which was also banned.
Reached for comment, the White House referred AFP to President Donald Trump’s comments Friday announcing the bans. The 80-year-old Republican — who has long had a fiery relationship with the mainstream media — warned that other outlets could face a similar fate but did not say which ones. “I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MS NOW…and Politico…from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
Trump did not say what prompted the move but added that “media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States.” Both of Trump’s White House terms have seen him lash out repeatedly at media whose coverage displeases him. He has filed multiple defamation suits against news outlets, attacked the press on Truth Social, and verbally assaulted several reporters, notably women, including CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins.
But it is rare for US presidents to outright bar news outlets from the White House — although Trump in his first term banned CNN reporter Jim Acosta, an action which a court subsequently overturned. Last year, Trump barred The Associated Press from some events because of the news agency’s decision to continue using the term “Gulf of Mexico” — and not the “Gulf of America” as decreed by Trump.
His administration has also put stricter controls on journalists in Trump’s second term, including taking control of which outlets can cover events as part of the “pool” admitted to the Oval Office and Air Force One. Trump’s surprise announcement on Friday comes at a time when his approval ratings are at record lows and his Republican Party risks losing control of Congress in November’s midterm elections. The war in Iran and rising prices, particularly at the gas pump, are among the factors that have contributed to his sinking political fortunes. – Danny KEMP
© 2024 AFP
