Trump’s White House ban becomes reality as photos show reporters turned away and credentials confiscated

The sequence began Friday, September 18, when Trump announced on Truth Social that he was banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House. Trump accused the three organizations of repeatedly reporting what he called “FAKE NEWS” and said other outlets could follow. Asked about the move later that day, Trump said he did not want the organizations in his office and indicated he wanted the restrictions to extend broadly. At that point, however, journalists from the affected organizations could still be seen working on the White House grounds. That changed the following morning.

Inside the White House grounds, an unusual scene showed the practical effect of the ban. Photographs showed empty broadcast positions at 'Pebble Beach,' the row of television booths on the White House grounds used by networks for live reports. CNN equipment remained visible, but its journalists had been denied entry.

The reporting did not stop when access did. CNN correspondent Julia Benbrook was photographed preparing for a television report on a street corner outside the White House grounds, surrounded by cameras, lighting equipment and a makeshift live setup. CNN said it would continue covering the Trump administration despite the restriction.

CNN's workspace inside the White House press area was also seen empty on September 19, 2026, after journalists from the network were denied entry to the White House. The CNN signage, however, remained intact on the otherwise unoccupied booth.

CNN senior White House reporter Betsy Klein arrived at the White House but was denied access after her credential was deactivated. Photos captured Klein at the entrance before she left the complex, providing the first visible sign that Trump's announcement was now being enforced.

Klein said her credential was confiscated and she was given back only its clear plastic holder. She was referred to the White House press office for further information. Outside the White House, Klein held up the now-empty plastic credential holder while reporting on what had happened. CNN called the ban an “illegal assault” on its constitutional rights.

The impact of President Donald Trump’s ban extended beyond CNN. MS NOW White House reporter Akayla Gardner, CNN senior White House reporter Betsy Klein and Politico White House reporter Cheyenne Haslett were all denied entry to the White House on September 19. According to AP, all three had their credentials confiscated after Trump barred their respective outlets from the property.