MS NOW, CNN and Politico say their journalists were denied access to White House after Trump ban, tell me about this news in (https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/09/19/ms-now-cnn-and-politico-say-their-journalists-were-denied-access-to-white-house-after-trump-ban/)

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, reporters and camera crews from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were denied access to the White House grounds, following an executive ban announced by President Donald Trump.

Key Details of the Event

• The Announcement: On Friday, September 18, President Trump posted on Truth Social announcing that CNN, MS NOW (which recently rebranded from MSNBC), and Politico were barred from the White House “effective immediately.” He accused the outlets of publishing “fake news,” criticized MS NOW’s viewership, and leveled allegations against Politico, warning that other outlets could follow.

• Denial of Physical Access: On Saturday morning, White House security began enforcing the directive:

  • MS NOW: Correspondent Akayla Gardner reported that she passed through initial perimeter gates, but when scanning her badge at the entrance checkpoint, Secret Service officers informed her that her hard pass had been deactivated and confiscated it. A network photographer was also turned away.

  • CNN: Senior White House correspondent Betsy Klein and a photojournalist were similarly blocked from entering after their credentials were deactivated.

  • Politico: Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Greenberger confirmed that Politico journalists were officially barred from White House access under the order.

• Reactions and Statements:

  • CNN called the restriction an unconstitutional attack on the free press, stating that its reporting will continue regardless of efforts to restrict physical access or impede journalism.

  • Politico stated that it would continue fair reporting on the administration and vigorously defend its First Amendment rights against government restrictions.

  • Press Freedom Groups: Watchdogs, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation, condemned the ban as a direct violation of constitutional protections against viewpoint discrimination, noting that previous attempts to revoke White House credentials have faced challenges and reversals in federal court.