White House Shuts Out CNN, MS NOW, Politico, and Their Readers: Trump Declares Media 'Unwelcome Guests'—The Court's Waiting for a Verdict

In the grand tradition of presidential micromanagement, Donald Trump has once again decided that some voices are simply too loud to hear from the Oval Office. Yesterday, the former governor announced a ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW, effectively turning the White House into a very exclusive VIP club where only the president, his dog, and a handful of lobbyists can roam.

The ban, which took effect on Saturday, came a day after Trump announced it, leaving reporters scrambling for a new outlet to file their stories. It’s the first time in history that the White House has treated the press like a disinvited guest at a state dinner.

In a bold (and perhaps misguided) move, the three outlets have drafted a lawsuit that will be filed in federal court. They argue that the ban violates the First Amendment, the same amendment that supposedly guarantees the right to complain about the president’s hair.

The lawsuit will request a court order to immediately restore their access, because the current status quo is a nightmare for journalists, and a nightmare for the American public. The legal brief promises to be as dramatic as a late‑night talk show, but without the jokes.

Meanwhile, the White House is reportedly preparing a list of “approved” news organizations for future visits, and some insiders say the list might include a small local paper that only reports on the mayor’s haircuts.

Stay tuned as the drama unfolds. If you’re a reporter, you might want to bring a lawn chair and a picnic basket. If you’re a Trump supporter, you might want to practice your best “I’m not a journalist” face.