Journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were denied entry to the White House in Washington on Saturday, September 19, following a decision by US President Donald Trump. The press passes of journalists from all three media organisations were deactivated or taken back.

The action came a day after Trump announced that the three media organisations would be barred from the White House. Trump described their reporting as “fake news” and also indicated that similar action could potentially be taken against other media organisations.

On Saturday, CNN White House correspondent Betsy Klein and MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner were denied entry. Later, Politico White House reporter Shayenne Haslett was also not allowed inside and had her press pass taken away.

All three media organisations have opposed the decision. CNN, MS NOW and Politico said they would defend their rights under the First Amendment of the US Constitution and could consider legal action if necessary. The White House Correspondents’ Association has also called for the journalists’ access to be restored.

The development has renewed debate in the United States over relations between the presidential administration and the media, as well as the constitutional issues surrounding journalists’ access to the White House.