US President Donald Trump has banned news channels CNN and MSNBC (MS Now), along with the news-based website Politico, from the White House.

He announced the decision on Friday (September 18), accusing them of publishing "fake news" about his administration, according to a report by Anadolu.

In a statement posted on social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, "I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning fake news purveyors CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House, as they continuously broadcast 'fake news'!"

Trump accused the U.S. government of providing an "illegal and ridiculous $8 million subscription" to keep Politico afloat during former President Joe Biden's tenure. He stated, "To me, this looks like corruption!"

Trump further added,

"No media outlet should regularly write or broadcast fiction and lies when reporting on the US President, the Trump administration, or the US. More fake news media outlets will be banned."

Trump Wants "Truthful News"
Later in the Oval Office, a journalist asked him how he would justify this step after taking an oath to uphold the Constitution, which guarantees a free press in the First Amendment.

In response, Trump accused those media outlets of publishing "fake news."

He said,

"Because they spread fake news, and people are tired of reading or watching fake news. Many others could join them. We need honest journalism in our country. We need a free press. We need an impartial and honest press."

However, he also mentioned that he wants those media organizations to improve their reporting standards and return to the White House. He added, "They deliberately write negative news; and they do this because they want to belittle Republicans and the Republican administration. But honestly, we have done a wonderful job. Look at the statistics. Look at the economic statistics. Currently, more money is coming into our country than ever before."

Neither MSNBC (formerly a left-leaning channel associated with NBC) nor Politico immediately responded to Trump's statement. CNN, a long-standing target of Trump's criticism, stood by its journalists on Friday, stating that Trump's move runs counter to the constitutional protections of the press.

In a statement, the media outlet said, "CNN stands firmly behind our White House team and their fair and objective journalism. We have the right under the US Constitution to continue this journalism without government hindrance or interference. If the ban threatened by President Trump is implemented, it will be an illegal blow to that fundamental and constitutionally protected right."