Trump bars CNN, MSNBC, Politico from White House, outlets sue in court
CNN, MSNBC and Politico had their White House press access revoked and have gone to court to get it restored.
On September 18, US President Donald Trump barred journalists from CNN, MSNBC and Politico from entering the White House. Press entry passes for journalists from all three outlets were cancelled and they were denied entry.
Trump has said the three media houses are spreading false news and misinformation about him and working against him. There have been several sharp confrontations between Trump and journalists before this. He is known to favour reporters who ask questions on his terms, and some media outlets are seen as close to him.
The decision has sparked debate in international politics. Many see it as consistent with Trump's past conduct and not a surprise. But it is also being argued that curbing the media this way is not good for the United States either, since it could weaken America's moral standing to speak on democracy around the world and undercut its own democratic claims.
The media outlets barred say the government has no right to revoke a journalist's access simply because it disagrees with their reporting. According to these outlets, such action can affect press freedom and the media's role in independently scrutinising the government. On this basis, they have gone to court to protect their rights under the First Amendment. The dispute between Trump and the media has now widened, and what the courts decide will be closely watched.
The case has been filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. The media outlets have demanded that their access to the White House be restored immediately. An emergency hearing in the matter is expected soon.
The Trump administration has previously faced a similar court battle over the White House access of AP and CNN journalist Jim Acosta. This case could become an important legal dispute over the limits of press freedom and government power in the United States.
