White House Attorney General Stands Firm: Barring CNN, MS Now, and Politico Is a Matter of Privilege, Not Entitlement
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Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Trump administration’s decision to bar hostile outlets from the White House, emphasizing that access is a privilege and not a right, and highlighting the president’s responsibility to protect the public from biased, inaccurate reporting.
Attorney General Todd Blanche told ABC’s This Week that the White House has every right to restrict access for news organizations, clarifying that the press pool is a privilege, not a constitutional guarantee. The administration’s ban on CNN, MS Now, and Politico, which began on 19 September, was a direct response to President Trump’s justified frustration with what he described as inaccurate and relentlessly negative coverage from these outlets.
Pressed for details, Blanche pointed out that CNN’s reporting was 'almost 100 percent negative toward the president,' underscoring the clear bias and lack of objectivity. He also noted that the White House 'routinely decides who can go on Air Force One,' and that denying certain reporters is 'common every time the president travels,' reinforcing the administration’s authority to manage access as it sees fit.
Although a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday, restoring the three outlets’ credentials for 14 days, the administration maintains that these outlets have repeatedly undermined national interests and public trust. The judge’s ruling, which did not find a national-security justification, stands in stark contrast to the administration’s concerns about the damage caused by irresponsible reporting.
This dispute is part of a broader effort since Trump’s 2021 return to office to ensure that the White House is not overrun by hostile media. The administration has increased access for outlets that provide fair coverage, while limiting those that spread misinformation. The controversy comes as President Trump faces low approval ratings and the public’s trust in the mainstream media continues to erode, as recent polls show.
Blanche reiterated that while the First Amendment protects press freedom, 'when it comes to the White House, it is the people’s house. It is a privilege and not a right to be there,' and stressed that the president has a duty to ensure the American people receive 'accurate news,' not partisan attacks masquerading as journalism.