Trump Calls CNN, Other Media a ‘National Security Threat’ as Outlets Sue Over White House Ban

U.S. President Donald Trump has described reporting by some major American media organisations as a threat to national security as a growing dispute between the White House and the press moves into the courts. Trump made the comments while defending his decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House. In a post on social media, Trump said the White House was not attacking the free press but was taking action against what he called “fake news,” which he alleged had become a national security threat. The three media organisations have rejected the restrictions and filed a federal lawsuit against Trump and members of his administration, arguing that the ban violates their constitutional rights, including First Amendment protections. The outlets are seeking a temporary restraining order that would restore their access to the White House. The dispute intensified after journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were denied access to the White House grounds and had their press credentials revoked. Trump has also indicated that other media organisations could face similar restrictions. The situation has disrupted the traditional White House television press pool. CNN is one of five major networks that normally rotate responsibility for providing pooled video coverage of presidential events. ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC subsequently suspended presidential pool coverage rather than replace CNN in the rotation. The case is now before a federal court in Washington, D.C., where the media organisations are challenging the administration's actions. The legal dispute is expected to focus on press freedom, access to government officials and the constitutional limits on the government's ability to restrict journalists' access. Source: Sahara Reporters, with the latest developments cross-checked against Reuters and other reports.