Donald Trump describes his CNN, MSNOW ban as ‘the ban on the free press’
Donald Trump has banned three major media outlets from the White House, citing their “fake news” against him.
In a Truth Social post, the US president said he would ban news channels CNN and MSNOW as well as Politico.
Donald Trump has banned three major outlets from covering him at the White House. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
"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 wrote.
"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."
It was his second post railing against CNN today.
CNN has reported that its reporters remain at their workspace in the White House and have not yet been evicted.
A CNN team travelling with Vice President JD Vance have not been told anything from the Trump administration directly as to their situation.
When asked about the specifics of the ban, Trump said he didn't know what ban the reporter was asking about.
Donald Trump referred to his actions as “the ban on the free press”. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
"Oh the ban on the free press, right?" Trump said.
"It’s a very simple ban. 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."
Trump said he would lift the ban if the outlets published more favourable coverage.
The network issued a statement condemning the move.
“CNN stands fully behind our White House team and their fair and accurate reporting. We have a right under the US Constitution to do that reporting without hindrance or interference from the government,” the statement read.
"Should the ban which President Trump threatened go ahead, it would be an illegal assault on that fundamental and constitutionally-protected right."
Donald Trump has railed against CNN since before he was elected president. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Banning media outlets from the White House is close to unprecedented, though Trump banned Associated Press from the Oval Office and Air Force One.
The president took issue with the wire service referring to the Gulf of Mexico under its original name rather than the Gulf of America.
Today's ban has been widely criticised.
Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree called it an “outrageous attack on the free press”.
"This is straight out of the authoritarian playbook," she said.
"A free press is fundamental to our democracy."
Senator Patty Murray said every leader should condemn Trump’s move.
"Presidents with nothing to hide don’t ban reporters," she said.
"But this President is historically corrupt—so he has a lot to hide."
Trump's approval rating is in the doldrums, with voters angry about the cost of living and the war in Iran.
The midterm elections are on November 3, with Democrats now tipped to win both chambers of Congress.
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