MS NOW Journalists Denied White House Access After Trump Ban

Journalists from MS NOW were turned away from the White House grounds on Saturday, a day after President Donald Trump announced plans to bar the network, CNN and Politico from the complex.

MS NOW confirmed that its reporters were denied entry as the administration moved to enforce Trump’s announcement, which he made on Friday and linked to what he described as inaccurate and unfavourable coverage.

Trump had accused the three organisations of publishing what he called “fake news” and said the restrictions would take effect immediately. On Friday afternoon, journalists from the targeted outlets were still working from the White House grounds.

MS NOW said it would defend its journalists and challenge any attempt to restrict its reporting rights.

“The White House belongs to the American people,” the network said in a statement, adding that it intended to take steps to protect what it described as its First Amendment rights and the role of independent journalism.

It remained unclear on Saturday whether CNN reporters had also been prevented from entering the White House grounds. Politico journalists are generally not stationed at the complex on Saturdays.

Trump’s announcement has prompted renewed debate over presidential control of media access and constitutional protections for journalists. Legal experts and press organisations have questioned whether the government can exclude news organisations because of dissatisfaction with their reporting.

The White House has not publicly provided detailed procedures explaining how the newly announced restrictions will be applied.