'Reporting fake news': Trump bars CNN, MS NOW, Politico from White House; threatens more bans

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he was banning 3 news outlets - CNN, MS NOW and Politico - from the White House, accusing them of repeatedly publishing what he called “FAKE NEWS”.Trump announced the move in a post on Truth Social, saying the ban was effective immediately. "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!" he said.Trump also said he would announce additional media outlets that could face similar restrictions. “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.Later, speaking to reporters in the oval house, he 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."He also defended the move, adding, “I think that somebody has a right to keep them away if they're going to write false stories all the time.”CNN issued a statement on the latest ban, saying, it would be 'illegal assault' on freedom of press.Presidents rarely bar news outlets from the White House. Trump had previously restricted access for a CNN reporter during his first term, while former President Richard Nixon imposed restrictions on The Washington Post over its coverage of the Watergate scandal.Trump has repeatedly criticised news organisations and broadcasters over coverage he considers unfavourable. He has also called for broadcasters to drop programmes that have criticised or mocked him and his administration, and has urged the Federal Communications Commission to take action against stations over content he has objected to.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.