FIRE Reacts: Trump's media ban

FIRE staff responds to President Trump's decision to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, with President Trump citing their "constant 'reporting'" of "FAKE NEWS!" Barring journalists from the White House because of their coverage raises serious First Amendment concerns and strikes at the heart of a free and independent press. FIRE experts break down what happened and answer your questions about the ban.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:06 Why does the White House Correspondents Association decide who serves in the White House press pool?

05:32 Can the president ban anyone from the White House?

07:07 Obama and Biden-era restrictions on press access

10:38 Access to the press room vs. being called on to ask a question

11:55 Could TrumpTV have a chilling effect on the press?

13:39 Can the White House reject a reporter but not their news organization?

14:56 What is a temporary restraining order?

17:27 The government's argument

22:03 National security and the First Amendment

23:57 What if a news organization publishes false information?

27:31 Does the White House have to justify press restrictions?

28:27 Is there something wrong with "a country that can allow people to write purposely negative stories"?

32:04 The scope of the White House restrictions

34:03 Public distrust of the press

36:48 Does restricting press access really address any national security concerns?

39:22 Can future administrations exclude partisan or influencer journalists?

41:05 Is barring journalists from the White House a prior restraint?

42:17 The impacts of a collective media boycott

45:04 Outro

Joining us:

Marie McMullan -- SPFI program manager and counsel

Jacob Gaba -- Staff attorney

Aaron Terr -- Director of public advocacy

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