CNN has condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to bar the network, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, describing the move as an “illegal assault” on press freedom in the United States.
In a statement on Friday, the cable news network defended its journalism, saying its reporting was “fair and accurate” and protected by the US Constitution.
CNN argued that restricting its access to the White House would amount to an attack on constitutionally protected press freedoms.
Trump had earlier announced that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would no longer have access to the White House, accusing the organisations of repeatedly publishing what he described as “fiction and lies” about his administration.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the three outlets were being banned with immediate effect because of what he characterised as their continued publication of “FAKE NEWS.”
The President also criticised Politico over an alleged $8 million subscription from the US government during the administration of former President Joe Biden. Trump described the payment as “illegal and ridiculous” and questioned whether it amounted to corruption.
Trump further warned that other media organisations could face similar restrictions.
“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,” he said.
He concluded by indicating that additional news organisations could be affected, stating that “Other Fake News Media Outlets” would follow.
CNN’s response sets up a fresh dispute between the Trump administration and major US media organisations over press access, journalistic reporting and constitutional protections for the press.
