Trump Administration Announces Plan to Revoke Press Credentials for Major News Organizations

Donald Trump and the press have experienced recurring legal and administrative friction. During his first term, the White House revoked the press credentials of CNN reporter Jim Acosta in 2018. A federal judge later overturned that decision. In 2025, the administration briefly banned The Associated Press from the press pool, which triggered ongoing litigation.

These actions follow past legal challenges, including a 2022 defamation lawsuit Trump filed against CNN over election fraud coverage. A judge dismissed that case. Other administrations have faced media tensions. Legal experts state that the current attempt to ban specific outlets based on viewpoint represents a significant escalation in the use of executive authority to manage press access.

1. Donald Trump defended the decision at an Oval Office event on September 18, 2026. He cited cumulative negative news reports from the preceding years as the primary justification for the action.

2. Donald Trump stated the ban responds to what he characterizes as biased reporting. He specifically targeted CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. Trump said the move addresses his dissatisfaction with their coverage.

3. The administration previously sought to restrict reporting on sensitive information. It attempted to implement new press policies at the Pentagon in 2025. These actions indicate a consistent administrative approach to managing information flow and media access.

4. Donald Trump has argued that mainstream news outlets misrepresent his administration's record. He reiterated this position while defending the ban announced on Friday.

1. Jameel Jaffer of the Knight First Amendment Institute stated on September 18, 2026, that the White House press pool functions as a public forum. He argued that banning journalists based on their viewpoints violates the US Constitution. The administration faces potential legal action if it proceeds with the ban.

2. Amnesty International condemned the move as an attempt to stifle critical reporting. Reporters Without Borders is exploring legal avenues to respond.

3. AG Sulzberger, publisher of The New York Times, wrote an editorial on September 18, 2026. Sulzberger stated that Donald Trump has been more hostile toward the press than any other modern president. The editorial describes the relationship between the administration and major news outlets.

4. Politico denied Donald Trump's claim that the outlet received government subsidies. The organization described the assertion as false and debunked. This disagreement reflects friction between the administration and targeted media organizations.