CNN, MS NOW, Politico to sue Trump admin over White House access

The outlets said they plan to file a lawsuit against the government on Monday.

September 21, 2026, 6:52 AM

The three news outlets banned from the White House by President Donald Trump said they planned to file a First Amendment lawsuit on Monday to restore their access, according to a joint statement published by CNN, MS NOW and Politico.

"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 outlet's joint statement said.

"Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists' credentials because it objected to our reporting. Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public's right to independent journalism free from government interference," it added.

Trump said in a post to social media on Friday, "Media Outlets shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they're covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America."

At an event in the Oval Office shortly after he posted his message, the president suggested there may be more restrictions on other outlets. Trump told reporters he supports a free press, but that "you need a fair and honest press." 

"It's sick. I mean, there's something wrong with a country that can allow people to write purposely negative stuff. Now, if they want to write them, that's fine. But I don't have to let them into my, into the people's house," Trump said.