Sen. Cory Booker said President Donald Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House is a violation of the Constitution, arguing the move is part of a broader pattern of restrictions against journalists.
“It clearly does,” Booker said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” when asked whether he believed the ban violated the Constitution.
Trump announced the ban Friday, saying the three outlets had engaged in what he called “FAKE NEWS.” Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were subsequently denied access to the White House grounds and had their press credentials revoked. Trump has also suggested that additional news organizations could face similar restrictions.
The three outlets have challenged the administration’s actions, with CNN, MS NOW and Politico filing a First Amendment lawsuit against Trump and other administration officials on Monday. The organizations argue that the restrictions unlawfully interfere with their ability to report from the White House.
Booker said the White House restrictions should also be viewed alongside the Justice Department’s recent efforts involving journalists.
In July, Trump was secretly transferred from the legacy Air Force One to a smaller military aircraft while in Ankara, Turkey. According to reporting by The Washington Post, Trump and several aides were moved via an airport catering truck while journalists and other White House personnel remained aboard the larger aircraft. The operation came amid concerns about a potential Iranian threat to the president.
After The New York Times reported on security concerns involving the newer, Qatari-donated presidential aircraft, the Justice Department subpoenaed several Times journalists in an investigation into potential leaks of classified information. Prosecutors later withdrew the subpoenas after a federal judge questioned the government’s handling of the case.
Booker characterized the response as part of a broader effort to pressure journalists.
“What bothers me is not only this violation of the Constitution, but remember, in unprecedented ways, he’s using his Justice Department to persecute reporters,” Booker said.
He specifically referenced the reporting surrounding Trump’s secret transfer, saying the administration “immediately” began investigating reporters after stories about the incident emerged.
“So this president has no regard for the First Amendment,” Booker said. “He’s going after reporters and this ban just doubles down.”
The White House has defended its media restrictions, arguing that Trump is responding to coverage he considers false or misleading. The news organizations have disputed that characterization and indicated they intend to defend their First Amendment rights.
