Congress, Speak Out Against Trump's Ban on CNN, MSNBC, and Politico

I'm your constituent, and I'm asking you to speak out against President Trump's ban on CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House. On September 18, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was banning the three outlets "as a result of their constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS," and he said more outlets could follow (AP, Sept. 18, 2026). A president who decides which news outlets can cover him, based on whether he likes their coverage, is picking winners and losers in the free press. That threatens every American's right to a government that answers to reporters, not just the ones it approves of. This isn't new. Trump's first term saw the same pattern: barring Jim Acosta, blocking Kaitlan Collins from a Rose Garden event, and excluding the New York Times, CNN, and Politico from a 2017 briefing. Courts and both parties pushed back each time, because press access to the White House isn't a favor the president grants. It's part of how the public holds any administration accountable, regardless of party. Trump also claimed Politico received an $8 million federal subscription under President Biden, without offering evidence (TNND, Sept. 18, 2026). Making unproven accusations while punishing the outlet that might scrutinize them is not how a democracy runs. A free press keeps government honest whether a Republican or a Democrat holds power. Selective bans based on coverage tone set a precedent any future president, of either party, could use against the outlets you trust. I'm asking you to state publicly that press access to the White House should not depend on how favorably an outlet covers the president, and to call on the administration to restore access to CNN, MSNBC, and Politico. Please stand up for the First Amendment.