United States President Donald Trump announced on Friday that CNN, MS NOW, and Politico have been banned from White House access, effective immediately. The president cited the outlets' coverage of his administration as "reporting FAKE NEWS!" and accused them of consistently publishing "fiction and lies."

Trump made the announcement via social media, stating his intention to exclude these specific news organizations. "I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW … from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!" he wrote. He further added, "Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow."

This move marks a significant escalation in the president's ongoing contentious relationship with several major news organizations. Trump has frequently criticized media coverage he deems unfavorable, often labeling it as "fake news." The ban specifically targets outlets that have been prominent in their reporting on his administration.

Al Jazeera's correspondent in Washington, Alan Fisher, reported that such a ban is likely to face legal challenges. Fisher noted that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects against government restrictions on access to information, a principle that has historically been upheld in similar situations.

Fisher also provided historical context, mentioning that past presidents, including Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon, have expressed anger over press coverage and considered restricting access. However, he indicated that such actions were generally advised against, as they do not present a favorable image.

Legal experts anticipate that the ban could be tested in court, given the constitutional protections afforded to the press. The implications of barring major news organizations from White House briefings and events could significantly impact the public's access to information and the traditional dynamics between the presidency and the media.

While the specific criteria for future bans were not detailed, Trump's statement suggested that other outlets could be subject to similar restrictions if their reporting is deemed to be inaccurate or misleading by the administration.

The decision has drawn immediate attention, with many watching to see how these news organizations will respond and what legal avenues they might pursue to regain access to the White House.