Journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were refused access to White House premises Saturday morning, according to the news organizations, a day after President Donald Trump announced he was barring them over their reporting on him.
“Early today, CNN journalists were denied access to the White House grounds,” a CNN spokesperson stated. “We have a constitutional right to conduct our reporting without government obstruction or interference.”
“This prohibition constitutes an unlawful attack on this fundamental right,” the spokesperson added.
An MS NOW representative confirmed its reporters were likewise refused entry.
In a memo to Politico’s newsroom shared with Themoneytimes, Politico’s Global Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Greenberger reported that a Politico correspondent had her press credential seized by the Secret Service.
“We stand behind her and all journalists covering the White House,” Greenberger stated. “As we indicated yesterday, we will vigorously protect our First Amendment rights.”
On Friday, President Donald Trump declared he was barring MS NOW, CNN, and Politico from the White House, characterizing their coverage as “fiction and lies.”
“Media outlets should not be permitted to consistently publish or report FICTION and LIES when covering the President of the United States,” Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform.
In a Saturday statement, MS NOW declared it “intends to pursue all necessary measures to safeguard our First Amendment rights and the vital role of independent journalism in our democracy.”
CNN affirmed it “will continue reporting on this administration’s actions and processes without fear or favor.”
MS NOW White House correspondent Akayla Gardner reported on air that an officer confiscated her press badge after it failed to scan.
“A red light was beeping, so the officer requested I surrender my badge,” she explained. “He informed me it had been deactivated.”
According to a White House pool report, Trump reached Camp David late Friday night.
Politico and Themoneytimes are both owned by Axel Springer SE.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.