Journalists from Politico, CNN and MS NOW were denied entry to the White House after Donald Trump announced he was banning the outlets, accusing them of publishing “fiction or lies” about his administration. The organisations say the decision violates constitutional protections for freedom of speech and the press, while press-freedom groups warn it could allow any outlet to be excluded based on unfavourable coverage.

Reporters’ access badges were reportedly disabled or confiscated by Secret Service officers, although at least one MS NOW producer was still admitted without explanation. Trump did not identify specific reports that prompted the ban, describing it instead as the result of “cumulative stories” and suggesting other organisations, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, could also be targeted. The White House Correspondents’ Association called for access to be restored, saying courts have repeatedly ruled that journalists cannot be excluded arbitrarily or because of their reporting.