Trump Announces Ban of CNN, MS NOW and Politico From White House Grounds

President Trump said Friday, September 18, 2026, that he is 'banning' CNN, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) and Politico from the White House, accusing the outlets of constantly reporting 'FICTION and LIES' about his administration. The ban took effect the following morning, Saturday, September 19: a reporter and cameraman from MS NOW were denied entry to White House grounds and had their press badges confiscated by Secret Service at a security gate outside the West Wing, and CNN and Politico staff reported similar denials. All three outlets said they would pursue legal action, arguing the move violates the First Amendment; the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has previously held that once the White House opens press facilities to journalists, it cannot deny access arbitrarily or without due process. The ban is the most sweeping White House press restriction of Trump's second term and follows earlier disputes over the Associated Press's access after it declined to adopt the administration's 'Gulf of America' naming.