Members of the media ask questions as U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche holds a press conference in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 15, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
President Donald Trump's abrupt decision to ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House immediately set off alarms Friday among journalists, political watchers and Democratic officials.
“Free speech absolutist!” wrote former Obama staffer and “Pod Save America” co-host Tommy Vietor.
Sarah Guerrero, communications director for Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, was more blunt: “This is f---ing crazy.”
Trump announced the ban on Truth Social, accusing the three outlets of repeatedly reporting “FICTION and LIES" about him and his administration. He also warned “Other Fake News Media Outlets” would follow.
“Free speech for me, not for thee,” award-winning media producer Andrew O’Keefe wrote in response.
Toronto Star columnist Bruce Arthur told his X followers that “the right are objectively anti-reality, and so attack journalists.”
Washington Sun reporter Oriana Gonzalez noted a pattern from the president’s party.
“Between this and House Rules Chair Virginia Foxx saying she wants to ban reporters from the Speaker’s lobby, Republicans are really coming after press access this week," she wrote in a post Friday.
“The party of free speech,” political writer Dan Shafer added.
Free speech absolutist! https://t.co/Ba33igGA7f
— Tommy Vietor (@TVietor08) September 18, 2026