CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a lawsuit against the administration of United States President Donald Trump, asking a federal court to restore White House access after a White House press ban announced on Friday locked their journalists out of the complex.
The three organisations said they wanted their credentials back and their First Amendment rights protected.
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In a joint statement they said, “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.”
They added, “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.”
Donald Trump announced the ban on Friday, 18 September, accusing the three outlets of reporting “FICTION and LIES” about him, his administration and the United States. On Truth Social he wrote that media outlets should not “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.” In the Oval Office he said he supported a free press but wanted what he called a fair and honest one. “It’s sick. I mean, there’s something wrong with a country that can allow people to write purposely negative stuff. Now, if they want to write them, that’s fine. But I don’t have to let them into my, into the people’s house,” Donald Trump said.
The ban was enforced on Saturday, 19 September. Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were refused entry. Associated Press and Reuters said press passes were taken at the gate. CBS News said two MS NOW staff were turned away.
Reuters also said CNN was removed from Monday’s television pool, which had been due to travel with Donald Trump to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
CNN had already called the planned ban an “illegal assault” on its right to report without government interference and said its journalism was “fair and accurate.” ABC News first said a suit was coming. Reuters later confirmed the filing.
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Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
