Trump banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico after aide Natalie Harp showed him critical clip: Report

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump reportedly announced the controversial ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House after executive aide Natalie Harp showed him a clip of MS NOW anchors criticizing his administration, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Sunday, September 20.

The report said the clip pushed Trump's existing frustration with media coverage of his second term to a “fever pitch.” Trump announced the ban on Friday, September 18, accusing the three outlets of repeatedly publishing what he called “fake news.”

Natalie Harp showed Trump critical MS NOW coverage before ban

According to the report, Harp had showed Trump clips of MS NOW coverage criticizing his administration only hours before he announced the media restrictions. The report alleged that Trump had already been frustrated by what he viewed as insufficient television support for his second-term record, but the footage shown by Harp intensified those concerns.

“Behind the scenes, the president has told aides he doesn't have enough political allies defending him on television and making the case for his second-term achievements, according to people familiar with the matter,” the report said.

However, White House spokesman Steven Cheung pushed back on that characterization, saying Trump's allies have “done an incredible job of getting the message out to voters.”

Trump has also criticized the broader media coverage of his administration. Trump announced the ban in a post on Truth Social, writing that he was “proud to announce” that the restrictions were effective immediately.

“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,” Trump wrote.

Trump specifically accused Politico of receiving an “illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription” from the federal government under former President Joe Biden and characterized it as corruption. He offered no evidence in the post to substantiate that accusation. Trump also warned that “Other Fake News Media Outlets” could follow.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters denied White House entry

The ban was put right into effect the following day, when journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were denied access to the White House. Reporters attempting to enter had their press credentials disabled or confiscated, with the outlets confirming that their journalists were turned away.

MS NOW White House reporter Akayla Gardner said a red light flashed when she attempted to scan her badge and that a security officer asked her to surrender it, telling her that the badge had been disabled.

The president's ban drew sharp criticism from other journalists and press organizations as well, including Fox News reporter and White House Correspondents' Association President Jacqui Heinrich, who called for the ban to be ended.

Trump later said in the Oval Office that the decision was based on “cumulative stories.” The report said several current and former Trump officials were surprised by the decision, with some describing it as a “head-scratcher.”