US Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Trump administration's decision to bar CNN, MS Now and Politico from White House press access, saying during an appearance on ABC News's 'This Week' that access is 'a privilege … not a right,' according to The Guardian and RedState.
Blanche told host Martha Raddatz that President Donald Trump has the right to restrict media access to the White House and Air Force One, according to Politico and The Epoch Times.
According to The Guardian, Blanche said the ban, which began September 19, stemmed from Trump being 'sick and tired' of what he considers inaccurate reporting by the three outlets.
The Washington Examiner reported that Blanche framed the restriction differently, saying it was implemented for national security purposes and that 'the president hasn't denied access, that's not the right way to describe it.'
How each side covered it
Left
- The Guardian reported Blanche said access to the White House is 'a privilege … not a right.'
- The Guardian said Blanche attributed the ban to Trump being 'sick and tired' of inaccurate reporting by the three outlets.
- Politico reported Blanche said the president has the right to restrict access to the White House and Air Force One.
“Blanche defends Trump’s White House media ban: ‘It’s a privilege … not a right’” — The Guardian
Right
- The Washington Examiner reported Blanche cited national security concerns as justification for the ban.
- The Washington Examiner quoted Blanche telling Martha Raddatz that 'the president hasn't denied access, that's not the right way to describe it.'
- The Epoch Times and RedState both reported Blanche's framing that access is a right of the president to restrict, or a privilege rather than a right.
“Blanche reiterates national security concerns justify White House reporter ban” — Washington Examiner
Questions readers ask
What happened with the White House and news outlets?
Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Trump administration's decision to restrict White House and Air Force One access for CNN, MS Now and Politico, saying access is a privilege, not a right, during an ABC News 'This Week' interview with Martha Raddatz.
Why were the outlets restricted, according to Blanche?
Accounts differ: The Guardian reported Blanche said President Donald Trump was 'sick and tired' of inaccurate reporting, while the Washington Examiner reported Blanche cited national security concerns.
When did the restriction begin?
According to The Guardian, the restriction on CNN, MS Now and Politico began on September 19.
What did left- and right-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning outlets emphasized Blanche's 'privilege, not a right' framing and Trump's frustration with the outlets' coverage, while right-leaning outlets emphasized Blanche's national security justification and Trump's legal authority over access.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- PoliticoLeft-leaningBlanche says president has right to restrict access to White House and Air Force One
- The GuardianLeft-leaningBlanche defends Trump’s White House media ban: ‘It’s a privilege … not a right’
- RedStateRight-leaningAG Blanche: White House Access Is a Privilege, Not a Right
- The Epoch TimesRight-leaningBlanche Says Trump Has Right to Restrict Media Access to White House, Air Force One
- Washington ExaminerRight-leaningBlanche reiterates national security concerns justify White House reporter ban