US President Donald Trump has hit back at CNN, MS NOW and Politico after the three news organisations sued his administration over their exclusion from the White House, arguing that outlets he accuses of publishing false or defamatory reports “shouldn’t be allowed access” to the Oval Office.
Their reporters were denied entry to the White House grounds on Saturday and had their press credentials confiscated, according to the news organisations. They argue that the administration’s decision to bar their journalists violates their First Amendment rights and was imposed without a process to challenge the restrictions. CNN was also removed from its scheduled television pool duties.
Because officials object to the content of their reporting, the three media organisations, however, have argued that the government cannot selectively deny access.
In their joint statement, they said the government should not decide “what the press reports or publishes. Earlier reporting noted: US President Donald Trump on Monday attacked CNN, MS NOW and Politico as “Fake News” outlets after the three news organisations sued his administration over their exclusion from the White House, accusing them of publishing negative and defamatory reports.
Earlier reporting noted: The three organisations filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington seeking to restore their access to the White House. Earlier reporting noted: The lawsuit follows Trump’s decision to revoke access to the three outlets after criticising their coverage.
The comments came after CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a joint lawsuit on Monday challenging the administration’s decision to bar their journalists from the White House. “As expected, Fake News CNN, Politico … and MSNOW … have brought suit to gain access to the White House, and your President, ME!
Trump said. Referring to Judge Kelly, Trump said he was “sadly, appointed by ‘TRUMP'” and suggested his administration would appeal if the court ruled against it. The President said the Oval Office should be treated with “Decorum, Respect, and Dignity” and accused the three organisations of distorting his record and coverage of his administration. The organisations said the restrictions violated their First Amendment rights and sought emergency relief to restore their press credentials. “Access has always been a privilege — and President Trump is applying that rule,” the White House said in its statement.
