At a recent event at Salem State University in Massachusetts, former President Barack Obama warned that President Donald Trump’s decision to ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House undermines a core constitutional principle. Obama said the issue should rise above partisanship and emphasized that a free press is “foundational” to American democracy.
Trump’s Rationale
President Trump announced the ban on social media, calling the outlets’ coverage “FAKE NEWS” and describing the action as “a very simple ban.” He told reporters from the Oval Office, “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.”
Obama’s Response
Speaking with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Obama noted that no sizable group of Republicans has publicly opposed the ban, asking, “You can’t do that and say that you are still living in a democracy.” He added that the President’s ability to exclude critical news sources is a direct challenge to the First Amendment.
Legal and Institutional Context
Obama reminded the audience that the Constitution explicitly protects free speech and a free press. He warned that the real concern is not whether the ban will be overturned, but the “brazenness” of a president acting without guardrails from his own party.
Legal Action by the Media
The three affected outlets have filed lawsuits seeking to restore their White House access, arguing that the ban violates federal law and constitutional protections.
Broader Media Reaction
Other major networks have declined to replace CNN’s White House pool crew, signaling solidarity with the barred organization. Obama highlighted that during his own administration he worked to expand press freedom abroad, contrasting his approach with the current administration’s actions.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
