Trump Bans CNN, MSNBC And Politico From The White House

President Trump announced on September 18, 2026, that he is banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House “effective immediately,” citing their coverage as “FAKE NEWS,” “FICTION and LIES.”​

Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social, stating the ban was due to the outlets’ “constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS.” He added that other “Fake News Media Outlets” would follow.​ President trump also posted on X citing his disapproval of the three news outlets in a statement on the platform.

I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico (The recipients of an illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription, an All Time Record, directly from the United States Government, under Crooked Joe Biden, in order to keep them “alive.” Seems like corruption to me!), from the White House as a result of their constant “reporting” FAKE NEWS! Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

In Oval Office remarks the same day, he described it as a response to “cumulative stories over the last few years,” saying he was “sick of it” and that the outlets “purposely write negative stories.” He argued he does not have to allow them into “the people’s house.” He named the New York Times and Washington Post as possible future targets when asked about others.​ Enforcement began the next day (Saturday, September 19): Journalists from the three outlets had their hard passes/badges confiscated or disabled and were denied entry to White House grounds.​

The White House also removed CNN from its scheduled Monday TV pool assignment (the longstanding rotation among ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News that films presidential events for the broader press corps). CNN had been assigned as the TV pool for Trump’s trip to the UN General Assembly.​

CNN called the ban an “illegal assault” on its constitutionally protected right to report without government interference and said it would continue covering the administration regardless of physical access restrictions.​ Politico said it would “vigorously defend” its First Amendment rights and continue fair reporting.​ MS NOW stated it would take “any and all steps necessary” to defend its First Amendment rights and the role of independent journalism.​

The outlets indicated they are preparing or considering a First Amendment lawsuit.