President Donald Trump banned CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House on Friday. He cited what he called "FAKE NEWS" coverage of his administration as the reason for the exclusion.

Trump stated that these outlets "shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES." He warned other news organizations could face similar restrictions if they continue such reporting.

Executive Justification

In an Oval Office briefing, Trump said there was no single story behind the decision. He described it as a response to "cumulative stories over the last few years." He added that outlets "purposely write negative news" to "diminish the Republicans and a Republican administration."

When asked about the scope of the ban, Trump said, "I don't want them in my office. I don't want them here. I would say the ban would go as far as you can."

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth backed the move on X. He said the Department of War "fully supports" the decision. Hegseth claimed the outlets had already "self-deport[ed] from the Pentagon" and accused them of endangering troops with "false stories, leaks, and" fictional accounts.

Legal Challenges Loom

CNN, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD), called the threatened ban an illegal assault. The company stated it has a right under the U.S. Constitution to report without hindrance. CNN vowed to defend its team's fair and accurate reporting.

Politico, owned by privately held Axel Springer, wrote on X that it will "vigorously defend" its First Amendment rights. The outlet denied claims that it received government subsidies, calling them "false and thoroughly debunked."

Historical Precedent

Trump previously barred The Associated Press from the Oval Office and Air Force One. This occurred after the wire service declined to use his preferred name, "Gulf of America," for the Gulf of Mexico. The AP sued, and the case remains ongoing.

The tactic echoes his first term when he revoked CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's White House press credentials. CNN challenged that decision in court, and it was overturned.

Trump plans to hold a first-ever meeting with Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez as early as next week, according to a report by Axios.

Meeting details

The planned meeting between Trump and Delcy Rodriguez would mark the first direct engagement of its kind between the two leaders. The report, attributed to Axios, indicates the meeting could take place as early as next week.