CNN, MS NOW and Politico Sue Trump Administration Over White House Ban

The White House in Washington, D.C., where CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists were barred from access following the administration’s decision. (Photo credit: PLBechly/Wikimedia commons)

WASHINGTON, September 21, 2026 — CNN, MS NOW and Politico said Monday that they are taking legal action against the Trump administration after their journalists were barred from the White House and their press credentials were revoked.

The three news organizations said they had notified the government that they would file a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. They said the case could receive an emergency hearing as early as this week.

White House access revoked

The dispute began after President Donald Trump announced on September 18 that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would no longer be allowed on White House grounds.

Journalists from the three organizations were subsequently denied entry and had their White House credentials deactivated. CNN was also removed from the television press pool that provides video coverage of presidential events to other news organizations.

Trump said the decision was related to what he described as inaccurate or unfair media coverage. In a later social-media post, he defended the action and said the administration was targeting what he called “fake news.”

News organizations cite First Amendment

In a joint statement, the three outlets said the administration had revoked their journalists’ credentials without notice or a process to challenge the decision.

They argue that the government’s action violates their First Amendment rights, including protections related to freedom of the press. The planned legal action seeks to restore their access to the White House.

The White House had not immediately responded to Reuters’ request for comment when the report was published.

Lawsuit could affect White House media access

The case adds to a series of disputes between the Trump administration and news organizations over access to the White House.

A previous dispute involving the Associated Press also resulted in litigation over restrictions on White House access. Separately, during Trump’s first term, CNN journalist Jim Acosta successfully challenged the temporary withdrawal of his White House press credentials.

The latest case will now move to the federal court in Washington, where the three organizations are seeking legal relief over the restrictions.

Important Fact

The lawsuit concerns access to the White House and journalists’ press credentials; it does not prevent CNN, MS NOW or Politico from continuing to publish news. The organizations are seeking to challenge the administration’s decision through the federal court.