In response to President Donald Trump’s ban from the White House, CNN, POLITICO, and MS NOW announced they are suing the president and three top advisers to restore their access.
“This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes,” the three outlets wrote in a joint statement.
“Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists’ credentials because it objected to our reporting. Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public’s right to independent journalism free from government interference,” they argued.
Trump Asserts His Decision Does Not Violate the Constitution
President Trump reacted to the outlets’ announcement, asserting that his administration is not violating the First Amendment.
“The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish. It is instituting an assault on the FAKE NEWS, something that has grown like a Cancer in our beloved United States of America,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social. “It is corrupt, purposeful, pervasive, fully coordinated, and totally out of control. It is a threat to our National Security, and must be stopped, NOW!”
President Trump's Ban on The Outlets
The joint statement comes after President Trump barred the outlets for allegedly writing and reporting false coverage of the president.
On Sept. 19, 2026, the day after the ban, POLITICO’s global editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger confirmed that one of his colleagues attempted to enter the White House but was denied entry by the Secret Service, who also confiscated her credentials, Greenberger wrote.
Rep. Salazar's Reaction To The Ban
Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) joined CBS News’ “Face the Nation” to discuss several topics including President Trump’s ban on the outlets.
When asked if she agrees with President Trump on the decision, Rep. Salazar defended his position, arguing that he is the “most accessible president,” unlike former President Joe Biden.
Rep. Salazar also affirmed that it wasn’t a violation of the First Amendment, arguing that President Trump “has his own style” on how to deal with the press and that other outlets will still have an opportunity to cover the administration.
