EWA Urges President Trump to Drop Press Ban as Court Weighs Case

The Education Writers Association (EWA) strongly opposes President Donald Trump’s order banning journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House because he disliked their coverage, and urges the administration to reverse the ban and allow the press full access as part of their constitutionally protected rights.

The three media companies barred from the White House have sued the Trump administration to regain access, arguing that the ban violates the First Amendment and due-process rights. Trump indicated he revoked the outlets’ White House access due to negative coverage. Government officials don’t have the right to decide which media outlets can report on them based on critical coverage. A free press that holds power to account is a bedrock of a democracy. Reporters must be allowed to scrutinize public officials without fear of reprisal. 

Today, a federal judge heard arguments in the case, with the government’s counsel adding a new argument that national security issues motivated the president’s ban. A ruling is expected to come soon.

The administration’s order is part of a deeply troubling escalation of press freedom threats, including arresting journalists and searching their homes and devices. EWA stands with journalists in the White House press corps – and everywhere – working to cover government officials to inform the public, and urges the administration to formally restore reporters’ equal access to the White House.