Locked Out: Trump Bans CNN, MSNOW, And Politico From White House In Media Showdown

September 20, 2026

President Donald Trump announced on social media that his administration is barring several major news organizations from the White House, addressing the decision directly with reporters during an Oval Office event centered on prescription drug pricing.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump named three specific outlets subject to the restriction.

“I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico” … “from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!,” Trump wrote.

The action marks a renewed test of constitutional First Amendment protections regarding press access to government facilities. When asked during the briefing how the decision aligned with the First Amendment and legal standards, Trump told reporters, “I don’t think somebody should be allowed to come in and write fake stories.”

When asked what the ban entails in practice, Trump stated, “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.”

President Donald J. Trump

The restrictions follow earlier disputes between the administration and news organizations. Last year, the president barred Associated Press journalists from White House coverage following the organization’s decision not to adopt the term “Gulf of America” in place of the Gulf of Mexico. Trump has also initiated legal action against several other media companies, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the BBC.

Before taking questions on the media restrictions, Trump used the briefing to announce an expansion of most-favored-nation prescription drug pricing rules to state Medicaid programs.

Flanked by federal health officials and state governors, the president said the agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers are designed to align domestic drug prices with the lowest rates paid by other developed countries.