Donald Trump has lashed out at three media outlets and banned them from the White House.
The US President announced on Truth Social that CNN, MSNOW, and Politico were banned over their alleged “constant ‘reporting’ (of) FAKE NEWS” in a move that is likely to be challenged as conflicting with the US constitution’s guarantees of free speech and a free press.
“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,” Mr Trump wrote.
“Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow.”
He said the ban was effective immediately.
CNN issued a statement condemning the ban and defending its reporters.
“CNN stands fully behind our White House team and their fair and accurate reporting,” it read.
“We have a right under the U.S. Constitution to do that reporting without hindrance or interference from the government.
“Should the ban which President Trump threatened go ahead, it would be an illegal assault on that fundamental and constitutionally-protected right.”
Politico also addressed the impending ban in a statement.
“POLITICO will continue to fairly report on this White House and future ones,” it read.
“We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict them.”
MS News has yet to address the President’s post.
Mr Trump has long bristled at news coverage he maintains casts him in a negative light, and has a history of filing lawsuits against news organisations while lashing out at individual reporters in person or over social media.
Last year, he banned the Associated Press from the usual pool of reporters that cover his movements because the news agency did not adopt Trump’s preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico, which Trump has instructed executive branch employees to refer to as the Gulf of America.
The AP filed suit and the case is ongoing.
Since returning to office, Trump has pursued other legal action against a variety of different outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the BBC.
– With AP/Reuters
