CNN and MS NOW said they were barred from covering Donald Trump’s state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, only hours after a US judge ordered the administration to restore their access to the White House.
US District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a temporary restraining order early on Thursday, requiring access to be restored to CNN, MS NOW and Politico after the outlets were excluded last Friday.
But CNN said it was denied entry to cover the arrival of guests as the White House dinner got under way. Anchor Erin Burnett told viewers: “CNN was denied access moments ago to cover the guest arrivals for President Trump’s state dinner for Xi Jinping.”
Ms Burnett said the White House had not confirmed whether the ban had been lifted, adding that it remained unclear “if, when CNN could return” to covering the White House.
MS NOW senior producer Kyle Griffin also confirmed that his network had been refused access. White House reporter Laura Barrón-López said a staff member had directed her to “talk to Steven”, referring to White House communications director Steven Cheung.
The developments followed a turbulent day in which the White House denied access to the outlets and seized some journalists’ credentials before allowing them back later in the afternoon. A Politico reporter’s credentials were also confiscated after the court ruling took effect, while an MS NOW reporter was denied access.
Trump attacks networks over ratings
Mr Trump had criticised CNN and MS NOW in a post on Truth Social before the banquet, attacking what he described as their falling ratings and lack of credibility.
“CNN and MSDNC’s Ratings have dropped considerably. The primary reason is NO CREDIBILITY!” he wrote, claiming the networks had focused on negative coverage of him despite what he called the “unprecedented SUCCESS” of the United States.
He also accused both broadcasters of refusing to cover Mr Xi and his wife’s arrival at the White House, saying the event had been “made for Television” but that the networks did not want credit to go to him.
Mr Trump added that the media “will be in attendance” at what he expected to be a “spectacular” state dinner.
MS NOW said in a statement that its viewership had risen by nearly 30 per cent year on year and that it was the most-watched news organisation on YouTube.
The three outlets launched legal action against the administration on Monday. In response to the exclusions, Fox News, NBC, CBS and ABC – which form the rotating television pool covering the president – have refused to cover him.
ABC News was listed as the television pool for Thursday’s state visit but refused to enter events until the White House provided proof that CNN journalists had been allowed inside.
Press group condemns White House action
The White House Correspondents’ Association condemned the restrictions, saying they amounted to government interference with press freedom.
“The President said it plainly in the Oval Office, describing his own planned action as a ‘ban on the free press,’” said Jacqui Heinrich, the association’s president.
“The Constitution protects the freedom of the press from government interference. That protection does not depend on whether the president likes a news organization’s coverage, agrees with its reporting, or approves of the questions its journalists ask.”
The dispute unfolded as Mr Trump hosted Mr Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, in Washington. The Chinese president said the two leaders had established a “personal rapport” but called for stronger communication and regular military dialogue.
The White House tents previously used by CNN and MS NOW were left vacant, with correspondents instead broadcasting from streets outside the presidential residence. It remained unclear when the outlets’ credentials would be officially restored.
