News Outlets Sue Trump Administration Over White House Ban

Washington — CNN, MS NOW, and Politico announced on Monday they are suing the Trump administration. The lawsuit challenges the administration’s decision to ban these news outlets from the White House, claiming the move violates the First Amendment.

President Trump declared on Friday via Truth Social that he was barring CNN, MS Now, and Politico. He cited what he sees as unfavorable coverage from these organizations as the reason for this action.

There could not be a more direct assault on the First Amendment,” stated the legal motion from the news organizations.

The lawsuit demands immediate access restoration after reporters were barred entry on Saturday and had their press passes revoked. The media outlets are asking a Washington, D.C., judge to block any further actions from the White House regarding the ban. CNN is poised to accompany the President on Monday as part of the pool team.

During a press conference, President Trump defended the decision, arguing that news seen as ‘fake’ does not deserve White House access. He stated, “I don’t think somebody should be allowed to come and write fake stories. They’re fake news. And they have no credibility.”

Bruce Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, labeled the ban “flatly unconstitutional.” He described it as “textbook viewpoint discrimination,” predicting that courts would overturn it.

The Trump administration has previously attempted to exclude various media outlets from the White House. Last year, President Trump restricted The Associated Press from certain events after the outlet refused to use the term “Gulf of America.” Although a federal judge initially backed AP’s access on First Amendment grounds, an appeals court later permitted the ban. This was due to the AP’s exclusion from restricted spaces like the Oval Office, rather than a complete ban like the one on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico.

The judges stressed that journalists can’t be banned from “generally open to the press” areas such as the briefing room based on views. While legal proceedings continued, the White House managed the press pool, allowing control over daily coverage and footage distribution.

The administration also tightened access at the Pentagon last year. The Defense Department enforced rules requiring journalists to agree to terms that limited access. Major news organizations like CBS News, ABC News, NBC News, Fox News, and CNN refused, choosing to leave the Pentagon.

After a judge invalidated some regulations, the policy shifted, mandating that reporters on Pentagon grounds be escorted. An appeals court allowed this policy. During Trump’s first term, the White House also sought to revoke former CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s access. A legal battle resulted in a ruling in Acosta’s favor, citing Fifth Amendment rights. His press pass was restored.

Kathryn Watson contributed to this report.