Trump's Legal Battles Heat up as White House Stands Firm

WHO:

Alternet - President Donald Trump

Alternet - Bryan Boughton, Fox News Washington Bureau Chief and White House Pool Chief

Alternet - James Sample, legal analyst and law professor at Hofstra University

Alternet - Katy Tur, host on MS NOW

WHAT:

Fox News - Trump announced a ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House.

Alternet - The ban was described as a "massive new lawsuit" against Trump by the affected networks.

Alternet - The ban led to a boycott of the White House by major news networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox.

Alternet - James Sample stated that Trump would be the "absolute witness number one" against himself in the lawsuit.

WHERE:

Fox News - The events took place at the White House.

WHY:

Alternet - Trump accused the banned outlets of "intentionally spreading lies" about him.

Alternet - Sample argued that Trump's public attacks on the media serve as evidence of viewpoint discrimination.

HOW:

Alternet - The ban was implemented as reporters from the targeted outlets had their access revoked when attempting to cover events.

Alternet - Sample explained that while Trump can choose who travels with him, he cannot exclude journalists based on their viewpoints when the White House is open to the press.

(UPDATED September 21, 2026 20:59 UTC)

President Trump has announced a ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House, accusing these networks of "intentionally spreading lies" about him. This decision has resulted in a boycott of the White House by major news networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, and legal analyst James Sample stated that Trump would be the "absolute witness number one" against himself in a massive new lawsuit filed by the affected outlets. Sample further explained that while Trump can choose who travels with him, he cannot exclude journalists based on their viewpoints when the White House is open to the press.