U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would be barred from the White House, accusing the news organisations of repeatedly publishing what he called “fake news.”
Trump announced the move in a post on Truth Social, saying it would take effect immediately.
He did not identify specific reports from the three outlets that prompted the decision.
“I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW and Politico from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” Trump wrote.
He added, “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.”
Speaking later in the Oval Office, Trump said, “Because they’re fake news.
"You get so tired of reading and seeing fake news.”
He also said, “Our country has to have honest news,” and indicated that other media organisations could face similar restrictions.
However, it remained unclear how the proposed ban would be implemented.
Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were still at the White House Friday and had not had their credentials revoked, according to The Associated Press.
CNN said it stood behind its White House team and its “fair and accurate reporting,” arguing that journalists have a constitutional right to report without government interference.
Politico also said it would continue reporting on the administration and defend its First Amendment rights.
The development follows Trump's earlier dispute with The Associated Press over its use of “Gulf of Mexico” instead of his preferred “Gulf of America.”
A federal judge ruled that the government could not restrict AP access because of its viewpoint.
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