United States President Donald Trump has barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the media organisations of publishing what he described as false reports about his administration.
Trump made the allegations in a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he accused the outlets of engaging in what he called “propaganda” and reporting “fake news” about his presidency.
The President argued that media organisations should not be allowed to repeatedly publish what he considers inaccurate information about his administration.
Trump also singled out Politico, alleging that the organisation received an $8 million government subscription during the administration of former President Joe Biden, which he claimed was intended to “keep them alive.”
During a press briefing at the Oval Office, Trump defended his decision after a reporter questioned whether restricting media access was consistent with the presidential oath to uphold the US Constitution.
The President said, “You get so tired of reading and seeing fake news… there may be others to join them. Our country has to have honest news.”
When another reporter asked whether his actions amounted to an attempt to intimidate the press from carrying out its duties, Trump rejected the suggestion.
“No, no, no. I dislike dishonest press like you. I think you are terrible,” he said.
Trump further argued that media organisations should face restrictions when they repeatedly publish information he considers false.
He said, “Somebody has a right to keep them away if they are going to write false stories all the time.”
The President also criticised polling by Fox News, describing its latest approval-rating survey as the “worst polls in the whole business” and questioning why the network had not replaced its pollsters earlier.
Trump also took aim at The Washington Post, describing it as “disgusting” while rejecting suggestions that his administration was seeking to suppress the media.
“We don’t repress, but they write fake news,” Trump said.
He also indicated that more media organisations could lose access to the White House if he believes they continue to publish what he considers false or dishonest reports.
