CNN and MS NOW report journalists denied White House entry after Trump ban

CNN and MS NOW said their journalists were denied entry to the White House on September 19, 2026, a day after President Donald Trump announced a ban on the two networks and Politico.

CNN’s Betsy Klein said her access badge had been deactivated, according to [Associated Press reporting](https://apnews.com/article/d160e253453229600ce54f8e91351523). CNN said it would continue holding public institutions to account.

MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner reported from outside the White House perimeter after being refused entry. She said an officer told her that her badge was disabled and asked her to surrender it. A photographer was also turned away, while a producer’s badge still worked, according to [CNN’s account](https://keyt.com/news/2026/09/19/ms-now-denied-access-to-white-house-after-trump-said-hes-banning-the-network-cnn-and-politico/).

Those differing experiences left the full scope of implementation unclear. The confirmed refusals nevertheless showed the announced restrictions taking effect at the entrance to the presidential complex.

Trump announced the ban on September 18, accusing the outlets of inaccurate coverage. Journalists from the affected organisations remained on the premises that evening, CNN reported.

MS NOW said it stood behind its newsroom and would take steps to defend its constitutional rights and continue covering the administration. The network’s statement signalled opposition to the restrictions; it did not establish that a court had ruled on this latest action.

The development was also flagged by [Variety](https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/white-house-blocks-ms-now-journalist-trump-ban-cnn-politico-1236867650/).