By Emmanuel Nduka
US President Donald Trump has barred CNN, MS Now and Politico from accessing the White House, escalating his administration’s increasingly contentious relationship with major American news organisations.
The move represents the latest confrontation between Trump and sections of the US media over their coverage of his administration, with the president repeatedly criticising outlets whose reporting he considers unfavourable.
The three media organisations have been excluded from the White House as the administration continues to tighten its approach to press access, a development that has renewed debate over the relationship between the presidency and independent journalism.
Trump has frequently accused major news organisations of producing biased or inaccurate coverage of his administration, while media organisations and press-freedom advocates have raised concerns over restrictions on journalists covering the White House.
The latest decision affects CNN, MS Now and Politico, three outlets with established Washington news operations and regular coverage of the US government.
The administration’s action comes amid broader tensions between Trump and the American media, with access to the White House becoming an increasingly contentious issue.
Critics of the restrictions have argued that limiting access to particular news organisations could affect the public’s ability to receive independent reporting on presidential activities and government policy.
The White House, however, has maintained that it has the authority to determine press access and has previously introduced changes to the way journalists are granted access to presidential events.
The latest restrictions are expected to intensify the long-running dispute between Trump and major US media organisations, particularly over the extent to which presidential administrations can control access to the seat of government.
The development also comes at a time when the role of the media in scrutinising presidential power remains a major issue in American public life.
