White House carries out Trump's threat. First journalists denied entry

Trump stated on Friday afternoon that CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were banned effective immediately, accusing them of publishing fake news. The announcement caught some White House staff by surprise, and journalists from the three outlets remained on the White House grounds until Friday evening, unsure if their passes would work the next time.

MS NOW announced Saturday morning that it intends to take all necessary steps to protect its First Amendment rights and the role of independent journalism in a democracy. CNN stated on Friday that its White House team's coverage is fair and accurate, and that enforcing the ban would be an illegal attack on the constitutionally protected right to practice journalism without government obstruction or interference.

Bruce D. Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said such a ban would be clearly unconstitutional because the White House cannot exclude journalists due to their coverage while allowing other journalists in. Clayton Weimers, executive director of Reporters Without Borders North America, said that press access is not a privilege, but a right that ensures Americans receive independent information.