POLITICO, CNN, and MSNOW have filed a federal lawsuit against President Donald Trump and three top aides after their journalists were abruptly banned from the White House.
The outlets argue the lockout is a “direct assault on the First Amendment,” saying reporters were denied entry and had their credentials confiscated by the Secret Service without notice.
Trump Accused of First Amendment Assault
In a joint statement, the organizations said the ban retaliated against their reporting and violated both First Amendment press freedoms and Fifth Amendment due process rights.
They are asking the U.S. District Court in Washington to immediately restore access and block enforcement of the ban.
The exclusion followed Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that reporters from the three outlets were barred “effective immediately,” citing years of what he called “FAKE NEWS” and “FICTION and LIES.”
During an Oval Office photo op, Trump said the decision stemmed from “cumulative stories” he deemed negative.
The lawsuit, led by attorney Theodore Boutros Jr. of Gibson Dunn, names Trump, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Communications Director Steven Cheung, and Secret Service Director Sean Curran. The outlets warn the ban is already impeding coverage and could chill other media, recalling past legal battles over press access during Trump’s presidency.
