Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Trump announces ban on CNN, MSNBC and Politico from White House
US President Donald Trump has announced that three major news organisations will be barred from accessing the White House, marking an escalation in his contentious relationship with sections of the American media.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
President Trump announced Friday that CNN, MSNBC and Politico would face restrictions on White House access, citing grievances with the outlets' coverage of his administration. The decision represents a continuation of the president's broader criticism of mainstream media outlets he characterises as hostile to his policies and public image.
The ban affects three significant players in American political journalism, with CNN and MSNBC being major cable news networks and Politico a widely-read publication focused on political coverage. The restrictions would limit journalists from these organisations' ability to attend White House briefings and events.
Trump's move underscores the ongoing tensions between his administration and sections of the press corps. The president has repeatedly attacked news organisations he believes provide unfavourable coverage, describing critical reporting as "fake news."
The action raises questions about press freedom and access to government institutions at a time of heightened political polarisation in the United States. Media freedom advocates typically view restrictions on press access to government as contrary to democratic principles of transparency and public accountability.