Trump downplays restrictions on CNN, MS NOW and Politico: ‘Which ban?’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Friday, September 18, downplayed his newly announced restrictions on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico when pressed by reporters about what the ban would actually mean in practice.

When asked whether the outlets would lose their badges, be barred from the press pool or excluded from the Oval Office, Trump initially asked which ban the reporter was referring to before acknowledging “the ban on the free press.” 

Trump jokes when asked about ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico 

During a press conference inside the Oval Office, Trump was questioned about the restrictions after he announced on Truth Social that CNN, MS NOW, and Politico would be barred from the White House. A reporter then asked the president what the ban truly constitutes, whether the outlets’ journalists would lose their badges, be excluded from the press pool, or be prevented from entering the White House.  

Trump initially asked, “When you say the ban, which ban? Do you know how many bans I’m involved in? I’ve got more bans going than any human being,” as members of his administration present laughed.

The reporter again repeated the question, asking specifically what the restrictions would mean for the journalists’ access to the White House. Trump then clarified that he was referring to the media restrictions, saying, “Oh, the ban on the free press, right? Very simple ban. I don't want them in my office. I don't want them here. I would say the ban would go as far as you can.”

The Republican leader had first announced the restrictions earlier in the day in a Truth Social post, writing that he was “proud to announce” that he was banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House “effective immediately.” He accused the organizations of repeatedly reporting what he described as “fiction and lies" about him, his administration and the United States.

Trump again attacks targeted outlets and threatens more restrictions

Later in the conference, the 80-year-old again defended the restrictions. When asked whether he intends to uphold the Constitution, which includes the First Amendment, like every president, Trump sharply responded that “I do too, much more so than you. Because they're fake news. I get so tired of reading and seeing fake news.”

After Trump’s announcement, CNN pushed back against the restrictions, saying it stood behind its White House team and its reporting. “CNN stands fully behind our White House team and their fair and accurate reporting,” the outlet said in a statement. “We have a right under the US Constitution to do that reporting without hindrance or interference from the government.”

Politico also said it would continue covering the administration and future White Houses while defending its constitutional rights. “POLITICO will continue to fairly report on this White House and future ones,” the outlet said. “We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict them.”

MS NOW had not issued a statement as of Friday. The White House also did not provide additional details on how the restrictions would be implemented.