President Donald Trump said Friday he is banning MS NOW, CNN and Politico from the White House, arguing their coverage of him crosses the line. On Truth Social, he wrote those outlets "shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES" and warned, "Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow." He did not point to any specific report. Later in the Oval Office, he said the ban stems from what he called "cumulative stories" by the three organizations and added the effort is worthwhile even if a judge throws it out. "I think it's good to point it out whether it survives or doesn't," he said.
Trump has a long history of attacking news organizations and individual reporters over what he says is unfair coverage. At rallies, he has encouraged supporters to boo and jeer journalists on site, and he frequently uses social media to call out reporters by name and insult them personally. Moving to block access for certain outlets escalates that approach and invites a constitutional fight.
CNN defended its White House team Friday, saying, "We have a right under the U.S. Constitution to do that reporting without hindrance or interference from the government." The network added, "Should the ban which President Trump threatened go ahead, it would be an illegal assault on that fundamental and constitutionally-protected right."
MS NOW did not respond immediately to a request for comment. CNBC contacted Politico for a response. Asked about Trump's post, the White House pointed CNBC to the president's latest Oval Office remarks.
In uncertain times, protecting your financial future starts with steady, thoughtful planning. Join Briefs Finance CEO Jaspreet Singh on September 29th for a FREE live investor workshop, How to Profit From A Dollar That's Losing its Value, where he shows how we're spotting investment opportunities as the dollar falls. Save your spot.
Arthur Spitzer, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the organization believes the post is unconstitutional. "He's plainly discriminating against them because they don't like the way they report the news, and the government isn't supposed to do that," Spitzer said, adding, "Certainly, our view is the president cannot control, or try to control, the news by banning outlets from official events because he doesn't like the way they're reporting on him." Spitzer represents the ACLU in the ongoing AP access case.
A calm, long term approach helps keep your savings working toward your goals. Our CEO Jaspreet Singh is hosting a FREE live investor workshop, How to Profit From A Dollar That's Losing its Value, on September 29th. Sign up free to join him live.
