Trump Bans CNN and 2 Other Major Media Outlets From White House, Accuses Them of ‘Fake News’

Washington: US President Donald Trump announced to ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House on Friday, September 18, 2026. On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused these media organisations of publishing "fake news" and false news about his administration. He also indicated that similar action may be taken against other media institutions in the coming times.

However, it was unclear immediately after the announcement how the ban would be enforced. On Friday, journalists from these institutions were seen working in the White House complex.

Why did Trump ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico?

Trump said these institutions' consistent reporting has been against him and his administration and described it as "fake news". He did not publicly present any specific report or news as the basis for the ban.

Trump also wrote on Truth Social that further action may be taken against other “fake news” media organisations as well. Later, while talking to journalists, he also took the names of New York Times and Washington Post.

Did Trump make a different allegation regarding Politico?

Trump raised the issue of money spent by the US government on its subscription to Politico. He raised questions about this expenditure to Politico and linked it to his decision.

However, Politico rejected this claim and said that the allegations related to government subsidies made about him are false.

What did CNN and Politico say on Trump's decision?

CNN said it stood by its White House coverage and that journalists have a right under the Constitution to report without government interference. The network called the proposed ban illegal.

Politico also said it would continue reporting on the White House and future governments and protect its First Amendment rights.

There was no immediate comment from MS NOW.

Will action be taken against other media institutions also?

Trump indicated in his post that other media organisations could face similar action. Later, while talking to journalists, he also targeted New York Times and Washington Post by calling them “fake news”. However, no immediate ban was announced on these institutions.

Can there be a legal dispute on this decision?

This decision has raised constitutional questions regarding freedom of the press in America and media access to the White House. Press freedom organisations and legal experts have said that the government's exclusion of a media organisation from public press facilities based on its reporting could face a First Amendment legal challenge.

Trump's dispute with media organisations is not new. Even during his first term, there was controversy over press access for CNN's then White House correspondent Jim Acosta. His access was later restored after court intervention.

At present, after the announcement of September 18, an eye is being kept on under what process and to what level the White House implements the ban on these three institutions.