US President Donald Trump has announced that CNN, MSNOW and Politico are being barred from the White House, accusing the news organisations of repeatedly publishing what he called “fake news”.
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform on Friday, September 18, saying the restrictions were effective immediately. He also warned that other media organisations could face similar action.
“I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW… and Politico… from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” Trump wrote.
He said media outlets should not be able to “constantly write or report FICTION and LIES” while covering the president, his administration or the United States. Trump has said he has the “right” to ban media outlets from the White House if they repeatedly publish what he considers false reports about him or his administration.
NEW: Statement from CNN
“We have a right under the U.S. Constitution to do that reporting without hindrance or interference from the government.” pic.twitter.com/8SfDaE3tAV
— Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) September 18, 2026
Trump Warns Other Media Outlets Could Follow
Trump’s announcement suggested that the three outlets could be the first among several media organisations to lose access to the White House.
“There will be other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” he wrote, without specifying which organisations could face similar restrictions.
The announcement comes amid continued tensions between Trump and news organisations that have published critical coverage of his administration.
CNN Had White House Press Rotation Earlier This Week
The announcement also comes shortly after CNN was included in the White House’s official press rotation.
The White House’s press schedule for September 14-20 listed CNN as the television outlet for the September 16 rotation. Politico was also listed as the print outlet for September 14.
The latest move therefore marks a sharp change in access for the three organisations.
First Amendment Concerns
The decision has raised questions about the relationship between the Trump administration and the news media, particularly over whether the government can restrict press access because of coverage it considers unfavourable.
The First Amendment protects freedom of the press, while the White House has broad control over access to certain presidential events and facilities. The legal implications of selectively excluding news organisations could depend on how the restrictions are implemented and what access is affected.
The announcement follows a broader escalation in Trump’s disputes with media organisations. In August, the White House publicly attacked CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes after a confrontation with Trump during an Oval Office exchange.
Trump’s latest announcement did not provide specific examples of reports by CNN, MSNOW or Politico that he considered false.
The White House had not publicly detailed the operational scope of the ban in the announcement, including whether the restrictions apply to all reporters from the three organisations or to specific forms of access.