WASHINGTON (TNND) — MS NOW said its reporter and a photojournalist were denied access to the White House on Saturday morning, a day after President Donald Trump said he would ban the network and other news outlets from the building.
The media outlet also said the reporter and cameraman “had their White House press passes confiscated by U.S. Secret Service at a security gate outside the West Wing.”
Trump announced the move on Friday in a Truth Social post, noting that he was banning MS NOW, as well as CNN and Politico “effective immediately.” He accused the outlets of publishing “fake news” — and said other news organizations will likely face similar restrictions.
“I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico (The recipients of an illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription, an All Time Record, directly from the United States Government, under Crooked Joe Biden, in order to keep them ‘alive.’ Seems like corruption to me!), from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” Trump wrote.”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. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” he added.
In a statement, MS NOW said it stands behind its journalists.
“The White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded by our tax dollars,” according to the statement. “MS NOW intends to take any and all steps necessary to defend our First Amendment rights and the essential role of independent journalism in our democracy.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.