United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's decision to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, asserting that the administration has restricted their access to the presidential complex rather than their ability to operate as news organizations.

Rubio stated in a Tuesday interview that the ban does not equate to shutting down the outlets. "We're not closing CNN," he said. "There aren’t a bunch of police officers or soldiers kicking down the doors of MSNBC or MS NOW, whatever it’s called, and arresting people and unplugging it from the grid. They’re just not allowed to work from the workspace at the White House."

Rubio is the latest senior administration official to defend the move, following US Vice President JD Vance, who argued on Monday that the ban was about "basic fairness" and that the administration would not grant "special access" to outlets engaging in "far-left propaganda."

The ban, announced by Trump on Friday and implemented Saturday, saw journalists from the three organizations denied entry and their credentials revoked. Trump accused the outlets of repeatedly publishing "fake news" about his administration. The White House maintains that while the First Amendment protects the right to publish, it does not guarantee access to the White House or its press facilities.

In response to the ban, CNN, Politico, and MS NOW filed a lawsuit on Monday, contending that the administration's action violates their First Amendment rights and that the government cannot restrict journalists' access based on their reporting. A federal judge is expected to review their request for a temporary restraining order.

The dispute has also impacted the White House television pool, a system where participating networks share footage and coverage. Major television networks have reportedly suspended their participation in the pool following the ban on the three outlets.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, present at a separate event, expressed his belief in the importance of having all members of the press present, regardless of their opinions or critiques, stating, "We’re going to have all of the members of the press here on the lawn."

This action by the Trump administration raises significant questions about press access to the executive branch and the potential for retaliatory measures against news organizations based on their coverage.