Trump Removes Press Credentials from CNN, Politico, MS NOW; Outlets File Suits

In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump announced that the White House would revoke Press Credentials and bar reporters from CNN, Politico and MS NOW from covering the administration. The action forced the three outlets to file lawsuits alleging a violation of the First Amendment and a breach of established press‑access practices.^[1]

Sources cited at the US‑centric event said the revocations were part of a “war on the media” that the Trump administration has been mounting since the campaign. The removal of credentials was deemed illegal, experts argued, and urged that the courts enforce the franchise granted to journalists in public affairs.^[1]

France 24 interviewed Steven Herman, executive director of the Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy and Innovation at the University of Mississippi, about the move. Hermann cautioned that the administration’s actions could create a chilling effect on reportage of presidential affairs and may break federal law protecting press freedom.^[1]

Legal Repercussions

Both CNN and MS NOW have lodged civil action against the White House, seeking declaratory relief that the removal was unlawful and demanding reinstatement of press credentials. Politico, meanwhile, has filed a separate suit asserting the same claims while also alleging punitive damages for reputational harm.^[1]