Trump Criticizes CNN, Politico, and MS NOW Following White House Access Lawsuit
US President Donald Trump on Monday criticized CNN, MS NOW, and Politico as "Fake News" outlets after the three news organizations filed a lawsuit against his administration. The legal action was initiated after the outlets were excluded from the White House, with Trump accusing them of publishing negative and defamatory reports.
The three news organizations filed their lawsuit in a federal court in Washington, seeking to restore their access to the White House grounds. They argue that the administration's decision to bar their journalists violates their First Amendment rights and was implemented without an established process to challenge the restrictions.
Details of the Access Restrictions
The lawsuit follows a decision by Trump to revoke access for the three media outlets after criticizing their coverage. According to the news organizations, their reporters were denied entry to the White House grounds on Saturday, and their press credentials were confiscated. Additionally, CNN was removed from its scheduled duties within the television pool.
In a joint statement, the three media organizations stated that the lawsuit aims to protect their constitutional rights. "This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes," the outlets said.
Trump Defends Restrictions on Social Media
In a social media post, Trump defended the restrictions and sharply criticized the three organizations. He referred to them as "Fake News CNN, Politico," and "MSNOW," while claiming that Politico should "Pay back the 8 Million Dollar contribution made by the US Government to keep them afloat!"
Trump also commented on US District Judge Timothy Kelly, who has been assigned to the case. Trump noted that Kelly, whom he appointed during his first term, previously ruled in favor of CNN reporter Jim Acosta. Trump wrote that "almost without question and, as usual, we’ll go for appeal because Fake News people and publications that only write negatively, and who violate our National Security by writing false and defamatory stories with unknown 'sources,' shouldn’t be allowed access to the most important Office anywhere in the World."
He added that the Oval Office "should be treated with Decorum, Respect, and Dignity, not defiled by Third Rate Clowns, who purposefully distort, twist, and degrade with everything they write or publish." Trump defended his electoral record, stating he won all seven swing states, the popular vote, the Electoral College by 312 to 226, and 86 percent of counties, while asserting that he receives "94% bad publicity." He concluded by stating that "FAKE NEWS IS A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY" and that he has an obligation to fight for the country.
Legal Proceedings and Pool Coverage Impact
The legal battle is expected to focus on whether the government has the authority to restrict press access based on dissatisfaction with reporting, and whether journalists are entitled to notice and an opportunity to challenge such decisions. The administration maintains that it holds authority over White House access. CNN, MS NOW, and Politico have requested that the court act quickly to restore their access while the case proceeds, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The dispute has also disrupted the White House television pool, a system through which major US networks share coverage of presidential events. Following CNN's removal from its scheduled duties, ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NBC joined CNN in announcing that the television pool would stop covering designated presidential events.
This is not the first legal conflict between the Trump administration and news organizations regarding White House access. The Associated Press has previously been involved in litigation after being excluded from certain White House events, and other journalists faced access restrictions during Trump's first term in office.
