CNN, MS NOW and Politico Barred from White House

The White House on Saturday revoked the press credentials of reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, following US President Donald Trump's earlier statement that he would bar the outlets from the premises.

All three news organizations reported that their journalists had their press passes revoked on arrival at the White House. They are considering legal action, arguing that the ban violates the First Amendment to the US Constitution, which protects freedom of speech and the press.

CNN called the decision an "illegal assault" on its constitutional rights. MS NOW said it would take all necessary steps to defend freedom of the press, and Politico announced that it would also defend its rights.

Trump accused the media of spreading "fake news" and hinted that similar measures could affect other news organizations. He cited The New York Times and The Washington Post as examples, though he did not announce a ban on them directly.

Trump has restricted access for certain media outlets before. During his first term, federal courts ordered the White House to reinstate the press credentials of two journalists whose passes had been revoked.

(Reuters, est)