'Suggestion box': Maryland governor tears into Trump over CNN, Politico and MS NOW ban

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND: Maryland Gov Wes Moore accused President Donald Trump of treating the Constitution like a “suggestion box” after the White House barred reporters from CNN, Politico, and MS NOW.

Speaking to CNN’s Dana Bash on 'State of the Union', on Sunday, September 20, Moore said the president’s decision reflected a broader problem with how his administration views free speech, press freedom, and constitutional limits.

The comments came after journalists from the three organizations were denied entry to the White House on Saturday, with some reporting that their press credentials had been disabled or confiscated.

Wes Moore turns media ban into constitutional warning

Moore began by pointing to the First Amendment’s protection of free speech and freedom of the press.

He said those guarantees were deliberately placed at the beginning of the Bill of Rights because the country’s founders considered them fundamental.

“And, again, not even just clearly laid out,” Moore said, referring to constitutional protections, “but at the founding of this nation, that the founding fathers of this country found it to be so important.”

He then delivered his sharpest line on the dispute.

“Trump continues to use the Constitution like it is a suggestion box simply because he does not like the coverage,” Moore said.

The Maryland governor added that he hoped the administration would spend more time “reading” the Constitution rather than simply discussing it.

Trump announced the restrictions Friday on Truth Social, accusing CNN, MS NOW, and Politico of producing “FAKE NEWS” and saying additional media organizations could follow. 

Reporters from all three outlets were subsequently blocked from entering the White House grounds.

Why Moore says the First Amendment matters

Moore tied his criticism specifically to the constitutional status of journalism rather than to the accuracy of any particular report.

He argued that the protections surrounding the press were not optional principles that could change depending on whether a president approved of coverage.

The First Amendment states that Congress may not abridge freedom of speech or of the press.

Its protections have also been central to longstanding disputes between presidents and journalists over access to government officials and institutions.

The current confrontation has already produced responses from the affected news organizations and press-freedom groups. 

CNN said it has a constitutional right to report without government interference, while Politico said it would defend its First Amendment rights.

Trump's action follows longer press feud

The White House confrontation did not emerge in isolation.

Trump has maintained a contentious relationship with major news organizations throughout his political career, frequently criticizing outlets over coverage he considers unfair.

During his second term, the administration has also changed longstanding arrangements governing access to the president and other senior officials.

The White House took control of decisions traditionally handled by the White House Correspondents’ Association concerning press-pool participation and related access.