U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to bar additional media organizations from the White House, escalating his long-running dispute with news outlets over their coverage of his administration.
Trump said on Friday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico were being banned from the White House, accusing the organizations of publishing what he called “fake news.” He also warned that other media outlets could face similar restrictions.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he did not want the targeted organizations in the White House and suggested that the ban could go as far as possible. The precise scope and enforcement of the restrictions were not immediately clear.
The move has drawn criticism from press organizations and legal experts, who say restricting journalists because of unfavorable coverage could raise First Amendment concerns over freedom of the press.
CNN and Politico said they would defend their right to report from the White House, while the White House Correspondents’ Association also opposed restrictions based on a president’s disagreement with media coverage.
Trump has frequently clashed with journalists and news organizations throughout his political career, and the latest dispute has renewed debate over presidential access, press freedom and the relationship between the government and independent media.
As Trump threatens further restrictions, attention is now focused on how the White House will implement the announced bans and whether the measures will face legal challenges.
