Trump announced the decision in a post on Truth Social, saying the restrictions were effective immediately.
“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!” he said.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 18, 2026
Trump also indicated that additional 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. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” he added.
Later, speaking to reporters in the Oval House, Trump said the restrictions would extend as far as possible.
“I don't want them in my office. I don't want them here. I would say the ban would go as far as you can,” he said.
Defending the move, Trump added, “I think that somebody has a right to keep them away if they're going to write false stories all the time.”
“Our country has to have honest news. You need a fair press and an honest press. You know how fake their reporting is. It's one-sided. It's never good,” he said further.
CNN issued a statement in response to the latest ban, calling it an “illegal assault” on freedom of the press.
Presidents rarely bar news outlets from the White House. Trump had previously restricted access for a CNN reporter during his first term, while former President Richard Nixon imposed restrictions on The Washington Post over its coverage of the Watergate scandal.
CNN Statement on White House access: pic.twitter.com/X0rMWFfueA
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) September 18, 2026
Trump has repeatedly criticised news organisations and broadcasters over coverage he considers unfavourable. He has also called for broadcasters to drop programmes that have criticised or mocked him and his administration, and has urged the Federal Communications Commission to take action against stations over content he has objected to.
The latest move places CNN, MS NOW and Politico at the centre of another confrontation between the Trump administration and news organisations over media access, reporting and the White House press.
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